200810

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_/NAVYNEWS

www.navynews.co.uk

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O1'vS«1|F: <1.-1:9,: Novembrar 1. P008

OCTOBER 2008

£1.80

Turn and burn... HMS Iron Duke rushes to the rescue of the hurricane-ravaged Turks and Caicos Islands. See page 3 for the full story.

Picture: LA(Phot) Jay Allen. FRPU East

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GLOBAL REACH

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RFA Wave Ruler . HMS Iron Duke

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HMS Clyde

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Satellite imagery courtesy of NASA

leet Focus GLOBAL turbulence has dominated the media headlines

Medics taste MASH

this past month and not just in the financial sector.

-

good fortnight

Hurricanes Gustav and Ike surpassed even the ‘credit crunch’ on news bulletins. And where there’s a For

a

tropical stonn, there's never a Royal Navy warship far away.

Two in this case, HMS Iron Duke and her supporting tanker HFA Wave Ruler, who've been chasing first Gustav, then Ike, to offer what assistance they could in the storms‘ wake (see opposite).

The effects of Nature’s wrath in the Caribbean are immediately evident. Her effects in West Africa, caused by climate change but equally and other environmental factors, are less so devastating in the long term. HMS Endurance has visited Ghana and Sierra Leone to highlight the importance of looking after the countries’ delicate environment (see page 8).

Harnessing the environment. in this instance the Helmand River. is key to the British mission in Afghanistan. UK forces safely transported a hydro-electric turbine to Kajaki Dam in the face of insurgent activity,using the Harriers of the Naval strike Wlng as their aerial umbrella (see page 4).

The naval aviators have been in Helmand for a little over a month far less time than the specialist helicopter engineers of —

—

Fleet Forward Support (Air) a small, unsung and invaluable team whose work is championed on pages 18-19.

The aviators and engineers are now beingjoined in Afghanistan by the first elements of 3 Commando Brigade, including the Hospital Squadron: the latter prepared for some of the challenges they face at Camp Bastion with an authenticexercise in Yorkshire (see right).

Not all the Corps is deploying to Helmand this winter. The marines need to maintain their amphibiouscapability,something they do thanks in no small measure to the team at lnstow, 11 Amphibious Irials and 1raInlng. We take a look behind (and beneath)the scenes (see centre pages).

The dynamic duo attached to NATO’s minehunting force, mother ship HMS Roebuck and HMS Ledbury, have been exercising in Italian waters, alongside the rest of the international force (see page 10).

The pair will are taking part in Exercise Noble Midas as is HMS Cumberland,which is spending the autumn with a different NATO group (see page 7].

Surprisingly, it’s been more than five years since a Royal Navy warship sailed into Umm Qasr. Mine countermeasures vessels Blythand Atherstone navigated the Khawr abd Allah to step up training with the Iraqi Navy (see page 7).

The Red Rose HMS Lancaster is now east of Suez after a fairly swift passage through the Med (see page 6).

She'll be joined in the Indian Ocean by HMS Horthumberland who's also visiting the Falklandsand Pacific on an eclectic sixmonth deployment (see page 5).

Farther east. HMS Kent has been in Tokyo celebrating the anniversary of Anglo-Japanese co-operation (see pages —

-

—

-

—

150tlHighg) 74-1

.

normally means a tailing-off of RN activity as the Fleet for leave. But the ports and coastal towns of the British Isles have been awash with warships: inter alia HMS Argyll took part in Dartmouth Regatta (see page 20), Albion and Manchester visited Liverpool (see pages 5 and 7 respectively), Brocklesby popped across to Alderney (see page 6). and HMS campbeltown has been in her namesake town after calling in at St Nazaire (see page 4).

Venerable destroyer HMS Exeter has returned from possibly her last deployment Russia. Norway and Iceland to a spirited welcome in Portsmouth (see page 7).

And also home after a lengthier spell away is aviation training ship RFA Argus, which marked her 20th birthday supporting the Allied effort in the Middle East (see page 13).

Talking of birthdays... HMS Clyde has celebrated her first in the Falklands. She’s our ship of the month (see page 12). summer comes home

—

—

-

—

TWO hundred Senior Service medics, nurses and surgeons were subjected to the horrors of war before they even got to —

Afghanistan.

The medics headed to Yorkshire for the improbabI_\'—n-.1med Exercise Roscdulu Ready, the final test for the leani of R?\"Ri\'l medical personnel lJL‘f(lt‘L' they take charge oi‘ the field liospital at Cainp Bastion, the hub of British operations in Helmand.

7: (‘.o1nmnnt‘1o Brigade led :1 Iinitl ‘battle reliearszil‘ on Stilislitiry Plain in Jul_\‘.

And although medics were involved in the sprtiwliiiit exercise, there was nothing on offer quite as specific as the ‘workout’ provided by the Arm_\' Medical Services Training Centre near York.

It is to meL‘lic'.~a whttt Bull Point in Plymouth is to ni.'.ttelots: :1 semircttlistit.‘ disaster environnicnt.

Bull Point replicates the impact of hurrie-tines and eurtliquzikes on island Communities.

The :\MS‘I'(2 -.1 large liamgar turned into it lield liospiltll mirrors medical facilitiesat Camp Bastion... as does the casualties it receives.

To ensure training is as authentic as possible, amputees provide the realistn of troops who l‘lLl\'t.' lost limbs in bomb blasts coinpletc with bloody —

make-up.

There's also :1 nioek-up oft: Chinook helicopter: rather than ‘simply’ dealing with casualties in the lield htispittil. the training Ilicilitjc is intended to give l‘l‘lt_'Lllt_‘;ll personnel the full Bastion experience and that means moving patients from the helicopter through the base to the hospital.

As we‘\'e lczitured in these pages before, the medics c1on’t purely look alter British personnel in theatre: they often have to aid locals \voum‘led li_\' 'l‘a|eh-.1n attacks.

So there were also civilian casualties to cope with in York, plus .'-\fgli:m interpreters to help the medical lctllnfi.

"The troops will get top—cIass inedictil care delivered by highlylrziined niedicztl experts," said Lt Cdr »—

Ali lloliti-.111, Olliccr Coininzinding the

Hospital Squadron which has now deployed to Helmand.

“We will be working out ofa st:ite—ol'— the—;1rt llutsplltll and although there will be challenges, we will Llll be pro\'idin_s_z the troops with \vorld—class support." ~

0 A medic tends to a ‘casualty’during the exercise Picture:

bloody

L/\IPhol) 'Knotty‘ Knott. FRPU East

NAVY NIEW-"S, OCTOBER 2008

GLOBAL REACH O Calm after the storm... HMS Iron Duke's Lynx heads off on Turksand Caicos Islands in the wake of Hurricane Ike

a recce

3

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of the

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Re!

‘uaue ndu tsea

ers on TWICE in a week was man reminded of his impotence in the the face of Mother Nature's merciless fury.

remaining

which topped l00mph.

The frigate arrived off the islands the

morning

after the hurricane struck and immediatel_\-' took the

The world’s media and, to be fair, the emergency services were all geared up for

districteommissioner up in the ship’s Lynx to survey the

~

--

bludgconing through New

from a damp squib, as communities across the Caribbean will testify.

Frigate HMS lron Duke and on to

damage. and That flight the photographic data —

Orleans much as Katrina did three years before with devastating consequences.

It did not. But Gustav was far

hung

the

—

then Ike tore through the Caribbean before venting their wrath on mainland USA.

—

by

Those included the Caymans mercifully not exposed to the full force of Gustav, but was still battered by winds

-A

tanker RFA \‘\'/ave Ruler in the region on anti-drug

behind to offer

SKOTITI.

tered island communities as first Hurricane Gustav

Gustav its way

hours

the hurricane, waiting assistance to islands struck

And twice in the space ofa week did British sailors bring aid and hope to bat—

24}

—

both

patrols Gustav’s coat tails,

it collected allowed the ship and the Commissioner to assess what aid would be needed.

It was followed by a similar recce of Little Caynian and Cayman Brac with the islands‘ governor, Stuart Jack, aboard the L_vnx.

He left assured that progress was being made in clearing up and assured that if a more -

—

potent storm struck, considerable assistarice from the RN-RF.»\ dtio would he on hand altnost

immediately.

Even

as

Gustav

was

barrclling northwards.

a

still more

t

knew what to expect from the \':t\'}'... and the .\':I\')' knew what to expect from locals should it hurricane strike. \‘Ii'hich it did. Ike sin-ashed into the island chain with winds of up

lke was brewing. to 135inph rztvagitttz buildings. lke ‘enjo_ved‘, if that's the word, As soon as the hurricane had considerably more media attention passed, an eight~n1un teittn was than its predecessor. landed b_\' Iron Duke initially the It proved to to assess be considerably dainage. “|ke hit Grand Turk hit very “Ike more d evastziting Gr-and Turk too, certainly for hard.” the people of Lt Cdr Dean Bassett \'er_\' ltard," said the Turks and Iron DLtkc's (luicos Islands. lixecutivc The ill—f:Jted chain l'lLlLi already Ofticer, Lt Cdr De-an Bassett, one been lashed by Hurricane Hanna, of the lirst sailors ashore b-.1rel_\' which did little datnage, but did ten hours after the storm strtick. llood some oi‘ the landsciipc. “.-\ll areas were witltout Ike was less forgiving but at electricity and most areas without least some good fortune was on running water or food." the side of islanclers.

As in the Caym:-in Islands. the Just a fortnight before Ike ship sent her l._vnx aloft to gather struck. Iron Duke had been in the information about the extent of Turks and (Z-aieos. 'I‘l1e subject? the devastation.

Disaster relief in the event of a The results of the recce flight hurricane. were sobering in the extrente.

"About 5*") per cent ofall houses So, broadly speaking. the island

potent

stornt

»-

storm

e

--

-

—-

damage either completely

on

(3rand'l‘urkhad

oi‘

some

kind

de.~;trog.'cd

severe

the roof had been retnovcd," said Iron Duke's (IO Cdr Mark .\'e\\'l;md_ or

"’l‘he scene was complete L‘lt.‘\’:I.s'I;illon in our c_\'cs and we're not experts at tltis.“ Not experts perhaps, but the RN and RF.-\ are ntasters ol'itnprovis-.11ion

am.l‘t:an do‘.

As proved by Grand 'l'urk’s hospital. \\}'ithin three hours of the lirst sailors arriving. once ward was lit for use one more and patients and stall were enioying warm meal. liurthcr afield, the 81": NAS Lynx was ferrying food and clean water to isolated communities, while a team from Iron Duke cleared the runway at the island's airport to allow aid flights to arrive.

For three days the sailors toiled. 'l'he_\' put up IL‘l‘l‘lp0X'Z'lI‘_\’ roofs.

'I'he_\' They

handed out bottled water. restored power to Grand 'l'urk's reverse osmosis plants. source of the island's fresh water.

They restored power to the health clinic, .‘-\nd all the while the Lynx buzzed around, ferrying fuel, food and water to the outlying islands. “\‘\"e made significant progress." said Cdr Newland.

"Water. food and shelter were all at a and satist'actor_v sustainable level. “'l'he mood in our group

was

buoyant.

l'In e:-tceptionally proud of both ships‘ companies."

Hurricanes passed, the two ships resumed their counter-drugs operations. and joined the Dutch frigate I-lNI..\lS Van Speijk for exercises.

O Cometh the wrath of God...

(Below) sailors grapple with the devastation caused by Ike in Grand Turk

4

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008

;fi-A GLOBAL REA CH twice in two

Whistle-stop

'

1

tour for HMS

months Ill!‘ somerset

THERE'S

camnlieltown HMS Campbeltown has seen

double dose of Somerset in her native county this autumn.

Several members of the ship's company left the frigate behind in Devonport and headed east to catch up with affiliates: the Royal British Legion and Baytree School in Weston-super-Mare. the Mayor of Wells and Sea Cadet units in Glastonbury and Westona

the last of her home port for

than a year.

The frigate is not heading

more

off on a marathon deployment. however. She's paying a poignant visit to France, heading to her namesake town. then steaming to Flosyth for a multi-million pound refit.

France first, and the port where the ship and her sailors were immortalised more than six decades ago.

In March 1942. the previous Campbeltown, a former US destroyer, rammed the dry dock at St Nazaire and was blown up by hidden charges.

The explosion rendered the

super-Mare.

They hadn't seen the sailors. led by Commanding Officer Cdr

Rob Wilson, for some time: the Type 23 spent more than seven months away this year with NATO in the Mediterranean.

Having left the ship behind last month, the ship’s company will be bringing it with them on their second visit.

The ship will serve as the host for the launch of the Royal British Legion’s annual poppy appeal when she visits Avonrnouth on October 29.

For Somerset folk who have not had or will not have the chance to see the ship or her men and women in person. they have been at least able to hear about the frigate's

dry dock useless for five years and scuppered any hope that the Germans might use it for —

their surface fleet.

CampbeItown's captain that fateful day Lt Cdr Stephen Halden Beattie earned the VC for his bravery.

Sixty-six years later his son Nick sailed with the modernday frigate and members of the St Nazaire Association to

take part in a memorial service with the ship's company in the French port, followed by a civic

exploits.

Tony Smedley of Taunton Hospital Radio visited the ship to record a special edition of his

weekend request programme.

The show. broadcast to patients in Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital (and also on the Apple AM website). featured a Desert Island Discs-style interview with Cdr Wilson and input from the rest of his ship’s company.

lllll suffering 'l0CI|St years’ SOME of the leading figures in naval circles agree that today's and tomorrow's Senior Service is "grievously weakened” by years of under—

—

funding.

Forrner First Sea Lords Admiral of the Fleet Sir Julian Oswald and Admiral Sir Jock Slater and ex-Commander-inChief Fleet Sir John Treacher, plus counterparts from the Army and RAF. have all put their names to a report by the UK National Defence Association.

The group was formed to campaign for improved funding for Britain's military. it believes the Forces have not been so starved of money since the ‘locust ears‘ of the 1930s.

The N is roughly half the size it was in 1982. yet it has been involved in five conflicts in the past decade -

Kosovo, Bosnia. Sierra Leone.

Afghanistan and Iraq while the UK depends more than ever —

seaborne trade.

The report Overcoming the Defence Crisis says money must be pumped into modernising the RFA. provision of replacementType 22/23 frigates. a stronger Fleet submarine force. as well as recruitment and retention.

“Our very existence depends on being able to defend our home waters and our sea lines of communication around the world, yet our Navy has been grievously weakened.” the association warns.

Whitehall contends many of the claims and demands made by the report.

"The defence budget is experiencing its longest period of sustained real growth for over 30 years,” said an MOD on

—

-

spokesman.

“Additional Treasury funding allows us to deliver urgent and

cutting-edge equipment to

theatre.

“Our Armed Forces are currently working very hard, continuously displaying the professionalism. bravery and excellence that make them the best in the world."

reception.

There are more receptions in store for Campbeltown's sailors

V.

:51:

In

“""'

O A Naval Strike Wing Harrier high above the waters of the Kajaki Lake during Operation Oqab Tsuka...

The Qlllltl SllB|lllBl‘IlS jets

the angels on the shoulders of British forces involved in the nation's most NAVAL

important

were

yet

mission

Afghanistan.

create a

In Alan Titchmarsli—fashion, the naval aviators have created a fenced garden (with bird table, kennel and benches). '‘Don’t let mi: mislead people,”

in

says AET

Two years after Royal Marines seized the Kajaki Dam on the Helmand River,

a

from Kandahar to deliver a huge turbine for the dam’s hydro-electric power station.

Operation Oqab Tsuka (Pashtu for ‘caglc’ssummit‘) was central to

—

insurgents be operating.

where

That

as

meant

ground

were

known

air power

power

was

to

well needed

as

shepherd the slow—moving convoy to its destination Apache gunships, Chinooks and I-larricr to

—

GR7s and GR9s of the Naval Strike Wing.

Six Harriers were ready at any one time to support the turbine move. The jets rcconnoitred the route before the convoy set off, provided an ‘umbrella’ over the heads of the vehicles, and acted as a reassuring presence for the troops

escorting the turbine.

It took several days for the column to reach Kajaki with airto-air refuelling helping to sustain the Harriers.

The turbine move did attract the attention of the insurgents, but a shield of Allied troops fanned out at the side of thecolumn to protect the vital piece of machinery.

“For some maintainers, this was the first experience of witnessing jets returning somewhat lighter than they had taken off," said Cdr Kev Seymour, Naval Strike Wing Commanding Officer.

"The adrenalin rush of ~

Peart.

“Between the coffee and pizzas, sunbathingand snake-wrangling we do work.

“With regular missions, scheduled maintenance and dayto-day events, things can quickly heat up."

Indeed it can. For alongside the busy daily routine of planned missions, there are also unplanned missions war, unsurprisingly, never runs to timetables...

Several aircraft wait on the tarmac, assigned with their engineers and pilots to GCAS Ground Close Air Support. When the GCAS bell sounds, as the sign next to it imparts: rim like hell.

In true Battle of Britain fashion, the pilots dash for their aircraft and head off to provide urgent support for ground troops caught in a spot of bother.

Excluding such spur—of—the— moment crises, the day normally ends at noon 4.30pm local time as the afternoon shift take over... and the exhausted fliers and ground crcw head forTimmy’s or for ‘home’.

Accommodation is, says Archie, “better than that of ‘Cell Block’ Frccby back at Cottcsmorc.”

The air-conditioned cabins also have a lovely vista: the airfield blast wall.

Still, life for the ‘Kandaharces' is rather better than it is for those just passing through the air base.

Accommodation for those on RSOI (deep breath Reception, Staging, Onward—movement —

—

vehicles, trundling slowly through Hclmand and through terrain

Christopher

—

large convoy was dispatched

the British aim ofbringingstability and above back to Helmand all power to support the rcgion’s inhabitants and their economy.

The turbine components were flown into Kandahar, the aerial hub of all Allied operations in southern Afghanistan.

But the only way of transporting it to Kajaki was by road (or in many cases dirt track), in a convoy (or, more properly, combat logistic patrol) of more than 80

little slice of home.

when she heads to the Scottish town for which she is named to catch up with locals and affiliates, taking some to sea for a

day.

Afterthat there's a spell of exercises in Scottish waters before heading for Rosyth and refit.

The ship's company will be reduced from around 250 to just 35 as the Type 22 undergoes a major overhaul to her machinery and weapons systems.

“After what's been a very busy period for the ship with a lot of time away on operations, we have two very important visits before going into refit.” said Lt Cdr Colin Williams, Campbe|town’s CO. “Most of the ship's company will be assigned to different vessels. so we'd like to express our thanks to all our friends in Devonport for the support we have received and say ‘Au revoir see you in 2009'."

—

0 to lie liack at sea...

—

refuclling, re-arming and preparing the jets to go again reminded them of just why we're here."

Naval aviators are just

month into their third tour of duty with their bomber variants of the Harrier.

The turbine move was the most high-profile British action in I-Iclmand in months and among the final acts under the tutelage of 16 Air Assault Brigade.

The soldiers are now on their —

way home and the diverse task

force that is 3 Commando Brigade is knuckling down at the start of its six months in theatre.

For the initial stretch ofthat tour of duty, the Naval Strike Wing will provide key aerial support to the

(Fleet Air

Arm and

RAF Harrier crews take it in fourmonthly turns in Afghanistan).

Whether it's Army or Royal Marines running operations, the pace oflife in Kandahar for air and ground crew alike is punishing.

The working day begins,

obviously, at llpm (that’s GMT, it’s actually 3.30am the following day in Afghanistan...) with the

watch handover.

Each ‘shift’ begins with a roundup of issues weather, engineering status of the Harriers, enemy activity, ground forces activity.

This is just the opening gambit of the planning for every mission.

—

—

—

over a

green berets

It normally takes around seven hours to draw up all the information charts, intelligence picture, data for each Naval Strike Wing mission (although Harriers also wait on the standings ready to take off in a flash if the scramble bell sounds).

Seven hours is a long time to wait before clambering into the cockpit, so grabbing some grub is a good idea.

We would not, of course, be so bold as to say the Naval Strike Wing want for nothing (alcohol, for a start, is banned), but facilities are pretty comprehensive at Kandahar.

There's 21 Subway, Pizza Hut, Burger King and, most beloved of all by the fliers,Tim Hortons.

“When morale is low, or you are having a bad day, get yourself down to Timmy‘s,” says AET ‘Archie’ Gcmmell.

The l\'a1r-y l\"etvs team were a little sceptical: what sort of establishment could Timmy‘s be?

Well, it's a coffee and doughnut shop—cum—cafe (Phew Ed) whose “ice caps and doughnuts can't be beaten," says Archie.

Thankfully, there are three gyms (to work off the doughnuts evidently‘): a NAAFI and its US equivalent, PX, for those little (or -

big) treats.

But you don't need money

to

~

—

—

Integration) is, shall we say, rudimentary: a big tent crammed with beds which warms up nicely in the Afghan sun.

And of the talking and

environment...

“It’s not too had out here once you get past the six inches of dust on everything, poisonous snakes and football-sized spiders and —

who could forget the constant chance of a rocket attack,” explains AET Peart.

I You can follow the day-to-day lives of the Naval Strike Wing

via their blog

at

iivww.roya|-navy.

mod.uk/server/show/nav.7075

HELICOPTER carrier HMS Ocean has finallyescaped the confines of the basin which has been her home for the past year.

Britain’s largest warship is now on a tidal berth in her home port, one step closer to resuming her duties.

The assault ship aka ‘The Mighty O’ as we’ve just learned needed a thorough overhaul after her first decade of service which saw her involved in pretty much every major operation Britain's Forces have been committed to in the past ten years, notably Sierra Leone and Iraq.

All that left her pretty worn out, hence the lengthyspell with engineers from Babcock who gave —

~

her

machinery a comprehensive

makeover and improved the accommodation areas both for the ship’s company and her embarked forces of aviators and Royal Marines.

The ship’s company began

trotting back on

board in

July,

firing up generators and air conditioning plants (for the first time in 12 months).

Ocean has a hectic autumn ahead: sea trials followed by

operational sea training.

major amphibiousdeployment heading She'll be at the hub of a

of Suez in the new year.

I More observant readers of cast

last month's Ship of the Month

quite rightly pointed out that the previous Ocean, the aircraft

carrier, was broken up in 1962, not

1952. Apologies, we hit the

wrong

key...

NAVY NIEWS, OCTOBER 2008

GLOBAL REAC

3

""

.'4 5.‘

lining or

(Pem)lir-nke Rosyth are up for the ship’s company of HMS Pembroke as they begin the long

SIX months in road

Canine nine nine

the Gulf.

The Sandown-class mine to

countermeasures

vessel will be

heading to Bahrain with HMS Grimsby to replace sisters Blyth

FOR all their rufty-tuftyness, deep down you know our fliers are just big softies.

So when Lt Pete McCormick spo tted two doleful eyes looking longingly at him, he had to help.

Except he was several score feet in the air at the controls of a Sea King... and the doleful eyes belonged to a collie stuck halfway up a Cornish cliff.

The 771 NAS Sea King from Culdrose had been scrambled to rescue two walkers cut off by the Bristol Channel near Watergate

and Ramsey as their lengthyspell in the .Middle East draws to an

end.

Both replacements have received overhauls ahead of their

impending deployments.

Machinery was revamped,

installed and new weapons mounts were fitted in keeping with her impending mission.

Pembroke emerged from Rosyth’s ship shed in July after live months’ work and finally returned to Faslane to begin a new sonar was

worl<—up.

And although it was a rotten summer, the gods were smiling upon Pembroke; the 600-mile passage from the Forth to the

Clyde was blessed by stunning

weather, spectacular scenery and :3

smattering of wildlife.

It took :1 little over two days to cover the passage, helped along

by new “super-slippery paint".

This, of course, was not a time for sightseeing; it

was a run

time to in the

practise navigation, machinery and train new hands (several of whom had never been to sea before).

That training was just a gentle

five weeks of intense workout with the Flag Oflicer Sea Training team taster

of what

was to come:

(currently ongoing).

Once she sails through that she’ll head east in tandem with

Grimsby.

Bay, Newquay.

And that's something the helicopter crew did safely, but in of the rescue pilot Pete saw two eyes peering back

O Albiondominates the Mersey waterfront as shes berthed at Liverpoofs cruise liner terminal Picture:

L/\(Phol) Dan Hooper, HMS Albion

Chester draws in Albion

thehmiddle

at im.

"We managed to lower our aircrewman, P0 Jason Bibby, on to the cliff and saw that the eyes belonged to a collie that looked a

bit like Shep [Ask your parents Ed]," said Pete.

Aircraft commander Lt Cdr Mike Luscombe takes up the —-

“Despite the noise from the helicopter, the dog was very pleased to see Jason but he was obviously in pain because

tale:

—

ASSAULT ship HMS Albion will be out of action for the next six or so months as she undergoes a major overhaul in Devonport.

Before the engineers, shipwrights and technicians got to grips with her, the warship sailed with aliiliates aboard to Liverpool as close as the 18.000-tonne vessel can get to her adopted city of Chester.

Those guests included Chester’s Lord Mayor, Cheshire police officers, Sea Cadets and Royal Naval Association —

veterans.

They were joined by 200 dignitaries for an reception once Albion on the Mersey.

around official arrived

The visit wasn’t all about Very

Important Personages.

The gangway was opened to the public, 1,500 of whom came aboard to see Albion's cavernous loading dock and other impressive facilities.

And then it was on the bus (quite a few buses actually) for the relatively short trip to Chester. where Albion's sailors and marines celebrated the Freedom of the City by marching through its historic streets in traditional fashion. cheered on by its residents.

Even more popular. perhaps. was the ensuing rig run during which the sailors and green berets, we're told, "made the most of Chester's hospitality".

All good things come to an

end, and

he growled.

Albion's as much building site as she is warship, undergoing a £27m upgrade.

On top of the usual maintenance, over the winter the experts at Babcock in Devonport will be improving the ship's living quarters and weapons and combat systems.

Albion returns to the Fleet next May and will spend the remainder of 2009 working up, taking over from her sister Bulwark as the on-call assault ship at the end of the year. now

"Jason managed to calm him down and noticed that he had a broken paw."

The injured creature was scooped up in a harness and landed inside the helicopter before being handed over first to the Coastguard, then to a local vets.

As it turned out, the dog Yossy had been missing for a -

-

week; now patched up, he's been reunited with his owner.

"Yossy was a lovely dog he was as good as gold while he sat in the back of the aircraft, obviously pleased to be taken to —

safety," said Mike.

The ordeal did cost

Yossy his leg the vets —

were

unable to

it but he did gain some new friends, who came to see him after he recovered from his operation (pictured above). save

—

Do you know that you can ‘top—up’ the private side of your account card while serving on

operational duty

overseas?

HOW do you sail through the three principal oceans but not do a global deployment?

The men and H MS women Northumberlandhave the answer,

having set

off on one of the most varied deployments in TCCCIII years.

On a wonderful summer’s day in Plymouth (ie overcast skies and coat.-' jumper weather). families gathered on The Hoe and at De\'il‘s Point (pcirnred ubirvc) to wish loved ones God Speed.

The deployment begins in earnest east ol" Suez in support of Operation Cal-ash, one of the security operations enforced by Allied maritime powers.

But why stop in the Indian Ocean?

The core of the l'rigate’s tour olduty comes around the Falklands,

providing

reassurance

to

British

Citizens and UK interests in the South Atlantic.

And that means a trip around the Cape of Good

Hope

to

move

Oceans.

And if you’ve

between the Indian and Atlantic

passed one of the great capes in

the

.

»

southern oceans, why not complete the set?

Yes, after her spell around the Falklands, Northumberland will navigate the more treacherous waters of Cape Horn before hugging the western coast of South America, nipping through the Panama Canal, calling in on the Caribbean, and ’

why some of the ship’s company are calling their deployment a ‘partial global’. ...\\’-"hich is

“\'l/ithover six months away from home, I and my crew will of course miss the loved ones that we leave behind." said Commanding Officer Cdr Martin Simpson.

“We also know that we are fullilling duties that are important to the UK and all countries which use

the seas.

“Our role in

providing safe

passage to all legal vessels and deterring those that aren't remains as important and as relevant today as it was 100 years Picture: l.A(Phol) Jenny Lodge. FRPU Drake ago."

éilgtionalduty h

information while on WelComE Customer Contact Ce _rr_z For

more

provided phone only

-

ov

as. contact the

by dialling *0 onahy Paradigm to 2200hrs Opening illtiurs: (UK) Mon-Fri

(I§l6OOhr5

OCTOBER 2008

Eli)» GLOBAL REACH

Brocklesby

0 Dark skies... Gibraltar lies in the shadowj

"

llrgyll deals

particularly eerie cloud as Lancaster arrives

channels her energies

BI‘ilIlBIOI'lIS 3 major IIIIIW

LAST month it was Sark, this month her neighbour Alderney received a visit from a British

COCAINE worth more than £5m was seized in ajoint operation involving the RN and Customs officials.

HMS Argyll and two Customs cutters bore down on a yacht 15 miles off the Cornish coast, the last act in a major criminal investigation overseen by the UK’s Serious Organised Crime Agency ‘Britain's FBI‘.

The trio struck at dawn, searching the 35ft Ronin and finding three large sacks hidden containing around 100 1kg bags of cocaine.

Officials say an important blow has been delivered to an organised criminal network in the capital.

“All of us were delighted to be able to contribute. We routinely train with personnel from other agencies and it is gratifying to be reminded that the training works and to know we have made a difference,“ said Cdr Peter Olive, Argy|l's Commanding Officer.

Two men were arrested aboard the Ronin, which had come from the Caribbean; a third man was later arrested in London.

The yacht was taken to Plymouth for forensic examination.

warship.

Sark hadn't seen a vessel flying the White Ensign in a quarter of a century (HMS Cattistock put that right).

The people of Alderney hadn't been starved of an RN visitor for quite so long.

But it was still six years since fishery protection ship HMS Alderney paid her farewell visit to the isle.

Minehunter HMS Brocklesby plugged that gap, anchoring in Alderney Harbour off the village of Bray, whose inhabitants were rather chuffed to see the sailors.

Despite being a boat ride away, many islanders took the opportunity to tour this rare visitor especially Alderney's youth groups (the Cubs were rather awestruck by the warship's 30mm main gun).

And one in every 24 Alderney residents or 100 spectators if you prefer turned up to watch the ship's football team take on the island's finest.

The locals proved too good for the sailors five of whom had never played with the Brocklesby side before dispatching the visitors 4-0 on a glorious summer's day.

The minehunter men weren't worn out by their sporting exertions and went on a tour of the island the third largest in the Channel Island chain to see the capital St Anne and some of the historic fortifications safeguarding Alderney from invasion.

Before departing, Brocklesby's C0 Lt Cdr Tom Tredray presented items from the RN Trophy Store to the island's president, Sir Norman Browse, as well as a ship's

—

—

—

—

—

—

A

Red is the colour

—

—

plaque.

“My ship's company worked fantastically hard to bring

Brocklesby to Alderney and we had a great time there." said Lt Cdr Tredray.

Brocklesby's ship's company had only recently taken charge of their vessel when they headed across the Channel.

They had previously been in charge of her sister Chiddingfold in the Gulf as part of the rotation of the entire Hunt-class squadron through the Middle East (see page 2).

—

“IE angels (Ii MBPSBV —

—

once more.

They found the source of the

leak near the traw|er's rudder but they were unable to fix it and stop several gallons of the North Sea pouring in every minute. Thankfully,the pumps kept the sea at bay.

The stricken vessel was eventually towed into port by a Dutch lifeboat, while the Mersey men returned to their ship to resume fishery —

—

protection patrols.

ET William ‘Kiddie‘ Child dressed in traditional Scottish garb. playing the bagpipes as the frigate passed Round Tower.

Lancaster's latest deployment takes her east of Sue: increasinglythe home of the Type 23 fleet in support of Allied operations to deny criminals and terrorists use of the high seas.

The Red Rose frigate paid a lightning visit to Gib but not too lightning that her sailors couldn't attempt the Flock Race under particularly ominous skies; Nelson was the first man to the top, AB Nelson Smith that is.

Then it was a pretty swift crossing of the Med too. The passage from the Rock to Soudha Bay in Crete, Lancaster's next port of call, was crammed with fire drills, live firing tests. machinery breakdown exercises, men overboard (not real ones), and finally a Merlin crash on the flight deck (again, not a real one).

There was a little time for relaxation, however an Olympicthemed ‘hands to bathe‘ courtesy of a hurriedly-installed ‘diving board’.

—

—

-

—

—

ENGINEERS from fishery protection ship HMS Mersey saved the lives and boat of Danish trawlermen when the North Sea threatened to ovenivhelm it.

The Portsmouth-based patrol vessel was working with the Dutch around 40 miles off the Netherlands coast when she picked up a mayday from the Danish fishing boat Inger Lis a dozen miles away.

Mersey's seaboat was dispatched with LET[ME) Gerard Crummey and ET(ME) Tom Randall aboard to help the Danes.

The duo found water five feet deep in the engine room and the Inger Lis‘ engine itself almost submerged.

A heavy duty pump was sent across from Mersey and within 15 minutes the two sailors had the engine room free of water —

BARELY had the distinctive droning of Merlin engines faded over the Solent than HMS Lancaster was half a world away beginning her six-month tour of duty.

The frigate received a traditional send—off from families and a vintage Lancaster bomber, kindly provided by the RAF whenever the warship heads off on or back from deployment.

The characteristic sound of the fabled bomber may (or may not) have drowned out an equally distinctive noise

The stop in Soudha (for fuel) proved barely any longer than the stop in Gib (some sailors did manage to get ashore in the port! resort of Chania).

Next stop, Suez. The warship passed through the famous canal in the middle of a convoy of merchant ships container vessels and tankers.

It was, said Surg Lt Nic ‘The Doc‘ Dodds, “one of the oddest cavalcades I have ever seen”. It was also not a lot of fun.

"Our boys upper—deck weapons crew were standing behind the Miniguns and GPMGS in the sweltering heat, ever vigilant for attack, sweat in eyes, Kevlar body armour and combats on, as time dribbled endlessly by," the surgeon added.

Thankfully, nothing lasts for ever. and the drab backdrop of Suez soon gave way first to the Red Sea. ,]'i then to the Gulf of Aden.

‘I Lancaster is now attached to Operation Calash, the security sweep of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean which attempts to strangle piracy, drug smuggling, people trafficking and other illegal activities on these busy -

—

—

waters.

“The mood onboard has definitely changed now calmer, more methodical, more tense. It‘s here and now that the deployment proper begins."

You can follow Lancaster's deployment courtesy of Nic The Doc's internet diary (blog) at www.royaI-navy.mod.uklserver/ showlnav.7076 —

Daring

rescue ALTHOUGH she's not even officially entered Naval service yet, Type 45 HMS Daring is already making her mark around the nation's coast, rushing to the rescue of a fishing vessel off Arran.

The destroyer. crewed by both Royal Navy and BVT Surface Fleet staff, put her sea trials in the Firth of Clyde on hold when she picked up a distress call from the Irish trawler Paloma.

Sixteen minutes later Daring arrived at the scene to find the 33ft fishing boat taking on water at an alarming rate.

Daring launched her own fast inflatableboat and BVT's weapons and Outfit Engineer Willie Brownless boarded Paloma to help the two crewmen. Although the water was already up to the level of the engine room plates, he judged the boat would be able to regain her stabilityby pumping out the water.

Shortly afterwards lifeboats from Arran and Troon arrived to escort Paloma safely back to the Ayrshire coast.

Farewell

Intrepid

THE numberof surviving ships from the Falklands campaign is one fewer, sadly, as work begins dismantling HMS

Intrepid.

The assault ship, which was key to re-taking the South Atlantic islands in 1982, was towed out of Portsmouth last month, bound for the breaker's

yard. intrepid and her sister Fearless were spared a similar fate a generation ago a _

A

—

decision which was vindicated within months when Argentina invaded the Falklands.

Liberating the islands proved to be the landing ships’ finest hour.

Intrepid spent the last dozen years of her life laid up in Portsmouth waiting for a call for action which never came.

Her sister is already being broken up (or ‘recycled’ in modern parlance) in Ghent.

British firm Leavesley International won the contract to dismantle her sister on Merseyside in an

‘environmentally-friendly‘ manner.

NAVY NL-IWS, OCTOBER 2008

7

GLOBAL REA CH

The noble

O Ship's companies, Naval Transition Team personnel and Iraqi sailors and marines muster on HM Ships Blyth(foreground) and Atherstonein Umm Qasr

I

Sausage

IT’S been two years since HMS Cumberland was last on the front line but wait no longer, for she’s Gulf—bound.

The Devonport-based

18 sailors sacked alter dr-ugs shame

—

EIGHTEEN sailors were dismissed from their ship and from the Service after testing ~

frigate has undergone a major overhaul in her home port and, after successfully completing Operational Sea Training,has finally deployed once more.

The Mighty Sausage she flies a large banger when she’s refuelling is joining a NATO task force, Standing Maritime Group 2, for the autumn.

The cosmopolitan task group it currently comprises warships from Germany,Greece-,'I'urkey and the US, with an Italian vessel as command ship under Rear

—

positive for cocaine use

deployment.

The Compulsory Drugs Test

arrived unannounced on HMS Liverpool after the destroyer had visited Santos in Brazil.

Their tests revealed that 18 of the ship’s company from different messes and of different ranks had taken cocaine.

The sailors were immediately removed from the ship and flown home. They have now been discharged from the Senior Service in line with the RN’s ‘zero tolerance‘ policy on the use of illegal substances.

Official figures show that fewer than one in every 250 sailors and Royal Marines tested for drug use give a positive resu|t.’I'he figure for comparative tests in civvy street is seven in every I00. team

—

—

—

—

—

Admiral Giovanni Ciumicro gathered in the Spanish port of Rota before patrolling the Med. Aside from the usual briefings and presentations, there were —

some more

know

yous’.

personal ‘getting to

Various sporting activities were organised between the

international sailors, including football and volleyball.

Once at sea, the bonding continued as the force conducted a series of anti-aircraft and antismuggling exercises to welcome Cumberland to the fold and help the frigate and her ship’s company get used to the NATO way of working.

A 1\'at{_\r i'\'ewx went to press, the task group could be found in the Adriaticand eastern .\/led for NATO \var games, Noble Midas, which will cement the ships’ position as NATO Reaction Force.

From there the force slips through the Suez Canal, into the Red Sea and on ultimately into the Gulfto exercise with the navies of Qatar and Kuwait.

The force has

a

twofold

safeguard the seas by keeping tabs on all shipping movements and to spread the NATO and maritime security word among friendly nations. mission:

to

WE'VE SBBII you ll8lIII‘B... marines so they can one day five-year and charge of all security patrols hiatus, British warships take in their hence the returned to the Iraqi port return of RNwaters vessels to Umm they helped re-open as Qasr.

Ftttingly, it was two mine co-operation between the countermeasure two navies is stepped up. made that return vessels which journey HM

AFTER

a

own

I

In the spring of 2003, an RNled minehunting force cleared the way into Umm Qasr, allowing the first shipment of humanitarian aid to sail up the Khawr Abd Allah in

RFA Sir Galahad.

Five years down the line, the a stone’s throw from the port Kuwaiti border is the gateway for 80 per cent of Iraq’s imports and -—

—

home to the re-born Iraqi Navy.

The latter are being taught

and trained by Allied sailors and marines of the Naval Transition Team, headed by the Royal Navy.

The Iraqi Navy will double in terms of personnel and quadruple in terms of number of ships in the coming months the first of a new batch of patrol boats will be delivered next year. ‘\\l’ith that in mind, working hand—in—hand with Allied warships is key to nurturing the Iraqi sailors —

llllll‘tlI WES! IIHSSEQB llll‘ BIISV BBB LlVERPO0L'S new cruise liner hosted yet another warship, this time HMS Manchester.

Ark Royal, Portland and Mersey among others have already berthed at the impressive facility...and HMS Albion (see page 5) had barely left when the Type 42 destroyer arrived.

Liverpool is as close as the destroyer can get to Manchester; she can fit down the ship canal to the Lancastrian metropolis... but the bridges spanning it wouldn't do her masts a lot of

good.

Once in Liverpool, the Busy Bee invited cadets and reserve forces aboard for a reception, plus members of the public for the obligatory ‘ship open to visitors‘ afternoon.

Then it was a short trip along the M62 to Manchester for a service of thanksgiving in the city's cathedral, followed by a civic reception hosted by the city council.

This was the first visit to the North West by the destroyer in 18 months; a large chunk of 2007 and 2008 was devoted to escorting the US carrier Harry S Truman in the Gulf.

The ship spends the rest of the year on work-up and exercises before deploying to the South Atlantic in 2009. _

_

on

—

_

_

»-

Ships Blyth and Atherstone just —

minehunters had cleared the way in March 2003. as

“Britain’s commitment

to

the

development oflraq is progressing

well and was evident during our stay,” enthused Lt Cdr Steve Holloway, Atherstone‘sCO. “The visit has shown there’s increased stability in the region and bodes well for the future of Iraq and its armed forces."

And after a five-year absence from the port, the RN‘s outgoing commander in the Gulf theatre, Cdre Keith Winstanley, said more British vessels would be calling in.

“The Iraqi Navy continues to make steady progress towards the time when we will see them in command of operations in the northern Gulf. The visit of Blyth and Atherstone to Umm Qasr is an important step along that

path," he added.

Blyth has new

masters

in the

latest roulement of minehunting crews in the Gulf as part of the Aintree deployment (HMS Ramsey is the other half of the duo) to keep the ships east of Suez for a sustained period.

The current custodians of Blyth the ship‘s are or rather were company of sister ship HNIS \\i"alney,although for some there’s a distinct feeling of déjri till.

CO Lt Cdr John Craig is on his third spell in charge of the Sandown-class ship. His X0 Lt Adrian Rowberry was ops officer of HMS Ramsey whose coxswain was PO(D) Dickson... who’s come across to Blyth, as have fellow ‘Rams;-yers' LS ‘Cocky’ Cooke and AB(M'\X") ‘Flash’ Gordon.

Other things stay the same in the Gulf, too. It's still ‘redders’ 45‘C for example.

“It’s hard to believe that we would ever look back on Faslane weather fondly, but we do,” said Lt Cdr Craig.

The Aintree force is based in Bahrain, which offers plenty for the sailors to do except last —

—

month. Ramadan, the holiest

month in the Islamic calendar, ran

throughout September, shutting

Bahrain’s bars and

closed,

Also

overhead.

a

bugler, er. bugled

Round Tower, surrounded by friends and family of the ship's company and Exeter 82 Association veterans who took the ship through the Falklandsconflict (pictured on

'

below].

Deploymentstolceland.

Norway and Russia lasting a few weeks do not ordinarily receive

..

such a greeting.

But this was, perhaps, the destroyers final homecoming.

She's going into extended readiness ahead of paying off next year.

So if this was to be the final welcome for a loyal servant. best make it a memorable one.

Joining Exeter for the occasion was Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Vice Admiral Paul Boissier. who thanked the ship's company for their efforts and rewarded Lt ‘Shakey' Stevens for his long service and good conduct with the appropriate medal (leaving ‘Shakey'

though

rather

refurbishment

for than

for religious reasons, was the state’s only golf course... which was particularly galling for one Blyth sailor, especially after he’d convinced airline staff at Heathrow to allow his set of clubs on the flight out to the Middle East.

This is the last changeover of Sandown crews for this deployment; the current ships‘

companies

will bring the vessels home but two more mine countermeasures vessels will be —

heading in the opposite direction from Faslane to keep the British end up in Bahrain.

documentary Warship.

That training was meant to (and did] whip her into shape for her deployment east of Suez.

Since returning from the Indian Ocean, the ship's undergone some muchneeded TLC in Portsmouth (interspersed with Meet your Navy).

A new ‘tenn' has brought new sailors aboard and new challenges. hence the need for the full FOST package ahead —

of exercises around the UK for the remainder of 2008.

—

—

E\'eTy£lmyegthe Shipwrecked Mariners‘ Society pays in the of those lost

—

i ll WflI'Ill Wflllllllllflllll‘ Ellfltfll‘

THERE was a hearty welcome home for veteran destroyer HMS Exeter at the end of her whistle-stop summer tour of the North Atlantic.

Tugs fired up their water cannon and two Hawk jets raced

restaurants.

OH HOW the good folk of HMS Illustrious must love Plymouth.

For the second time this year. the Harrier carrier is back in the bosom of Flag Officer Sea Training.

Lusty didn't especially enjoy her first trip at the beginning of the year when all her trials and tribulations were captured on camera by the Channel 5

lost for words").

LETIWE) Shaun Graham was equally dumbfounded when he received the same recognition from the admiral.

The VIP departed before Exeter's historic entry into Portsmouth but not before C0 Cdr Paul Brown had presented a cheque for Help for Heroes on behalf of the ship's company.

“Regardless of the length of time away, it's always an emotional time returning to our home port and the prospect of being reunited with families and friends." Cdr Brown added. “for

over

‘

‘33.’

.,~.. *

grams lo

'5

dependants

at

sea. as well as sick. disabled

and retired seafarers

struggling to make ends meet.

once

—

-

Support Those

Who Need It Most... ,.c‘

We offer a range of quality hand picked Christmas Cards and associated items. the proceeds of which enable us to support those who need it most.

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Gifi Items To receive a copy of our new 2008 brochure and order form please contact: .

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0 AB(HM) Amber Carr soaks up the sights of Freetown" as HMS Endurance arrives in Sierra Leone

N0 ice lll |l€ll‘€llllSB FROM white to green.

The

frozen expanses of Antarctica have been replaced

by the lushness ofwest Africa as ice ship HMS Endurance sailed into uncharted waters uncharted for her.

Yet the message banged by the Red Plum drum the effects of —

—

climate change and importance of environmental responsibility remain the same whether the backdrop is bergs and ice shelves or rich African vegetation.

The icebreaker/survey ship is on an 18-month deployment away from her home base of Portsmouth. lnstead of heading for the Solent after her spell of surveying around Antarctica, she headed for Simon’s Town in South Africa for some much needed TLC after being exposed to the harsh conditions associated with the icy continent.

But what happens in Antarctica and its Northern Hemisphere directly. and counterpart indirectly, impacts upon the lives and livelihoods of people in \\I-"est Africa, and much further afield.

And so it was that Endurance edged up the African coast, first to Ghana, then to Sierra Leone, hosting government leaders, meteorologists, scientists and British officials for brainstorming sessions to discuss the way ahead.

Ghana's coastal strip might appear lush, but in the north of the land climatic changes and shifts are making their presence felt.

Clearing forests and a dramatic drop in rainfall 20 per cent —

—

-—

—

less now falls than in the l980s has led to the desert creeping ever southwards and invading larmland.

As in the West, so in West Africa: the only real change environmentally is effected when environmental issues become

pr=I:'r:'mI issues.

“African leaders are _vet to fully grasp the implications on the continent of the phenomenon of climate change, yet the evidence is all around us," said Sean Doolan, regional advisor for the UK's Department for International

Development.

And although

local

conditions and issues, such as deforestation, are playing their part, Endurance’s CO Capt Bob Tarrant and his team are in no doubt that what happens in his ship’s normal domain and what happens in West Africa are connected. “\V"e and the scientists from the British Antarctic Survey witness firs-t hand the acute effects of the changes to the world's climate in our e\-'eryda_v working environment.” Capt Tarrant added.

Climate change is just one challenge facing Ghana’s leaders.

Perhaps more pressing on a dziy-to-day basis is piracy and smuggling.

Fish thieves poach an estimated £40m of, er, fish every year from Ghanaian waters, there's growing evidence of drug smuggling via the beaches and the country's

oil fields are potential targets for pirates and terrorists.

So Endurance showed Ghanaian authorities how the RN gathers intelligence and deals with such thorny issues.

Around 100 Ghanaian military and civilian personnel spent four days with the British sailors and marines, who imparted practical and theoretical skills including maritime security, fishery protection, boarding, search and rescue and customs procedures.

“The professional skills and energy with which the Royal Naw has provided such high—quality training will be reflected by the increased effectiveness of our navy," said Lt Kenneth Sarbah, the Ghanaian liaison oflicer for the spell of

training,

“lt‘s been a very rewarding few days," Capt Tarrant said of lindurance‘s week in Ghana.

“I've been thrilled with the vigour with which my ship's company have used their unique mix of skills and expertise to support their colleagues in the Ghanaian Navy.” .'\-lercifully, it wasn‘t all piracy, terrorism and ‘the end of the world is nigh’ in Ghana. There was plenty of hope too. of A sizeable number lindurance’s sailors and Royal l\-larines headed to an orphanage whose (10 or so youngsters needed a bit of help sprucing up their facilities,but above all they needed to see a few friendl_v faces.

And so aside from smartening the grounds and building a new kitchen (or is it :1 galley now?) the Endurance team sang. played football and cricket and handed out Pompey kits to the youngsters.

“The best part was just being with the children,“ said ‘Bish‘ Rev Ralph Barber, Endurance’s

chaplain.

“They had nothing. but were so friendly, so happy. At

.

.

n

times we all felt emotional."

And there was one more treat for the children, when the older ones were invited on board the icebreztker.

“The whole entourage came to a grinding hall at :1 set of stairs," said Capt Tarrant. “'l‘hey‘dnever seen stairs before and didn‘t know how to use them.

"They had never had ice creams either and wanted to keep the wooden lollipop sticks.“ Much of 1indurance’s work in Ghana was repeated along the coast in Sierra Leone, with the ship also carrying out surveys on the approaches to Freetown. the country's capital and principal port.

Once safely alongside, the Red Plum hosted a day-long seminar on climate change and the importance of looking after Sierra I.eone‘s environment which is, in parts, under threat from deforestation and illegal mining.

Among the figures aboard the ice ship for the discussion were Sierra Leone's vice president,

Samuel Samsumana.

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a PICTURE the Crusades and you conjure up images of knights and Saracens, sandy fortresses and mediaevalcities.

Scotland prohuhl_\' doesn't figure.

(Iitirtigortn (:l'US‘.1(IL‘ OS was intended to give RN personnel north of the border a taste ofthe outdoors in line with I-‘leer IIQK growing einphnsis on tid\.‘L‘nILlt‘tItl.\ traiining (:\'l') and iinbuing sailors and initrines with added inorul l.0Ll_L'_I'Il1C.‘5.\.

'I'hree ti\'e—d-uy p-ael<:ige.\ ol‘ 2.iL‘lIl'IIIL'.\’ ehiel'|_\' hiking. wzilking '.ll'lLI climbing were ot'gutti.\ed by the teitm at the .-\'I' Store in Clyde Nitvitl Btise. who then deeitmped to the other side oi" Scotland and the ('T;iii'n_r:orm \':ttion:ill’:irl<_ till volunteers arrived at I’-.trtieiptints Rothiemurehus Lodge. near .~\\'iemore. and were soon involved in at nine—l;i1onietre (li\‘e—mile) ‘leg stretch‘ through the Clitiltiiiiziin Gap. E1 loop beginning and ending tit the lodge.

'I‘he_\' were then divided into groups for the t‘ollo\t'ing three tI;l_\‘hi rock eliinhing :it lIuntl_v‘s -

(hive and (Zummingstoii. it -18—kiloinetre (it)-mile) inotintitin bikiitg day around Loch an Iiilein L1l'lLI the (‘ilenmore Forest. and zilso ii 2U—l<ilometre [I2—mile]

hike

laitggiiig two .\lllI1K‘US, Ben .\I:Is:dui and (Iitiriitzoriii an 7't'il!L'.

And when not yoinping and climbing around the l-Iighl;md.\. there were plenty t\I‘I'l1l11_QSi to keep the £ltI\'Ct‘lILll‘0lt5 buiteh busy (or help them relax): health .\pLl. quiz night. barbecue. plus visits to some til" the (‘.-.ii1‘i1gorin.~;‘ culture.

“I:eet‘1h:tel< from this _\‘e;ti"s personnel eonlirined thitt (Iairngorin (ll’U.\'.1tIL‘ \\'‘.IS 11 resouiiding stieees-.,“ hill walk.

enthused I’()(l"I‘) Rob (ireethzim.

“It was -.1 }’tl1_\'.\lL‘;llI_\‘ and mentziIly—dern;indingweek but also it very eiiio_\'-able one. which ticked all the right boxes iintl L‘IL‘IlI)itL.‘I_\' iieliievetl its aim of T.tll-Ring people out of their eoinfort zone in LlL'I1:IllL’I1}._',lI'I§.',I1|.II

enjoy-.1ble en\‘ironment.“

Indeed. on the hack oi't'eetlb'.iel-<from this _ve:ir‘.s trip, it will return next year (etiimini._:l_\' titled (liiiriigornt (‘.rti-‘tide U0). likely to he run as two foi'tnightl_\'

piiekziges.

'l'li;itwill allow opt-riitionail units to elioose suitable dates outside LIL‘pltt_\'i'l'lL‘l1I periods: June I§—l*) LII'|tI 22-91) or October 5-‘) and 12-10.

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9. OCTOBER 2008

10

fiii'fii?7i‘fil%Ifi .1: .:

A testing time with Nttro

BRITISH ship HMS Ledbury has been busy putting her mine-hunting skills to the test in the Mediterranean, as part of an eight-strong NATO MCM group led by HMS Roebuck.

The minehunter, operating as part of SNMCMGI (or in

long-speak Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group 1), has been putting her minc—hunting systctns through their paces at the NATO Underwater Research Centre (NURC) off the Coast of La Spczia, Italy.

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ENS Admiral Cowan was the first Estonian vessel the Mediterranean Sea as part of the coun-

to enter

try’s commitment

—

joined by

to

some new mem-

the summer including the Estonian ship ENS Admiral Cowan.

For Royal Naval eyes this was a familiar face as the minehunter had prcviousl_\' been HMS Sandown, the first of class for the British .'VlCMVs which are now based in Scotland.

After a tnulti-million pound refit the Estonians took receipt of three Sandowns in 2007 the biggest purchase of the Estonian Navy since joining NATO. The ship’s new name however is also Royal Naval, as over

—

conlacl Nigel Bum 0' Teen Bulchei Bank Street, lincoln LN? IDR Tel: 01522 512345 between 9am 5.l5pm or lor Military Discipline Matters only contact Nigel Burn Mob: 07775 860603 alter bpm

in 1919.

accu-

of their detection abilities in Ledbury’s case with a particular eye to her 2193 Sonar in the and complex warm waters of the western Mediterranean.

The Hunt’s commanding officer Lt Cdr Chris Nelson admitted: “It’s a great privilege to be able to use these facilitiesto test our minc detection capability and also the abilities of the ship’s crew.

“It has been :1 testing time and we have been able to learn a lot which should serve us well in future work with the task group and beyond."

Survey ship HMS Roebuck is now the longest serving mcmbcr of the Group, having been flagship since January 2008.

During this tasking she is the Command and Control ship for the NATO staff who watch over the actions of their

was

Telephone: 023 9263 9534

she is named after Admiral Walter ‘Tich’ Cowan who, as a commodorc, commanded the British lst Light Cruiser Squadron that fought alongside the Estonlztns in their battle for independence

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HMS Roebuck is expected

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The tests involve Ledbury, p 5 the other MCMVs oi‘ the group,

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Her commanding olliccr I.t Cdr JohanElias Scliamaa said: “The ship and her crew have Certainly welcomed the opportunity to work as part of SNMCMG1.

“The professionalism of my people and the capabilities of my ship are sure to be tested.

“The experience will stand us in good stead and bcncfit the Group during out time together in the Med." just as well since shortly after joining the Group, Admiral Cowan and her counterparts from the UK, Germany, Belgium, the

Netherlands, France, Italy and Nortvay began a busy programme of exercises

which culminated in Exercise Noble Midas,

which was due to take place in the western and central Mediterranean as i\'at;v i\’ez::: went to press.

The group will also join up with

its sister force, SNMCMG2, which operates in the Mediterranean throughout the year. ll7’t'tIt rltmiks In Sirrg Lt Siiififtra

Roy (top left) German MCM FGS Hamburg, HMS Roebuck.

0

Dutch HNLMS Urk and Estonian ENS Admiral Cowan in the Mediterranean 0 (top) Ledbury leads the rest of the task group into Lisbon under the 25 of April

Bridge

0 (left) Divert St’ Smyth on board Ledbury's dive boat after identifying a possible contact 0 (below) Dutch ship HNLMS Urk. HMS Roebuck, Belgian BNS Lobelia and Italian ITS Numana Pictures: Surg Ll Sudipta Roy. S./Lt Matt Thomas. LET(MEi David Fenton

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11

NAVY !\'E\‘l"S, OCTOBER 2008

12 C

SHIPS OF THE ROYAL NAVYNo.634

llelleting MPUS fugit,

as

Romans said.

Yes, believe it

not

or

0|] 3

the

llI‘St year

it's 12

months since HMS Clyde arrived in the Falklands to take over guardianship of the islands‘ \V‘:I[L'l'S.

And it‘s amazing just how many

miles you

can

clock up

patrolling

this southerly outpost of empire in 27.000 nautical miles to a year be precise. ~

Much of that mileage has been accrued getting to know the 770plus islands in the Falklands

Class: River-class Offshore

archipelago,

Some of those she's

(Helicopter) Pennant number: P257 Motto: Clwo (strength) Builder: VT Shipbuilding.

Portsmouth Launched: June 14, 2006 Commissioned: January 30. 2007 Displacement: 1,962 tons Length: 81.5 metres Patrol Vessel

come to

know rather better than others; Mare Harbour is her home port,

Clyde has called in on Stanley, the islands‘ capital, on seven occasions eight ifyou count her visit as i\'ut=_i- .’\'crrs went to press to celebrate her lirst birthday.

But not all Clyde’s time is spent while

—

in the Falklands.

She's paid two visits to South Georgia (most recently in company with HMS Liverpool) and has made one foray into the Pacific to sail to Valparaiso in Chile via the Patagonian Canals.

That was the highlight of her first year but none of the present ship‘s company remembers it as

Beam: 13.6 metres Draught: 3.8 metres Speed: 20+ knots Range: 7,800 nautical miles at 12kts

Complement: 36 Propulsion: 2 x Ruston 12RK 270 engines, controllable pitch

~

they’ve just changed

over.

Regular

propellers, 280kW bow

rotation of sailors keeps the ship’s company fresh (82 sailors have so far been rotated through the ship

thruster. 3 x 250kW main

since she arrived in the islands).

Day—to—day business revolves

around defence of the Falklands, working hand—in—hand with RAF and Army units in the islands, conducting exercises, and getting to know the locals in this scattered islands community.

Clyde was the lirst complete warship built in Portsmouth in more than three decades in VT

Shipbuilding’s

yard (the sections of Type new

firm had built 45 destroyers, but

vessel).

not a

whole

She's similar, though not identical to her older sisters Tyne,

Mersey and Severn

—

notably

beefed up main gun (30mm

a

not

20mm) and

deck.

One

an

improved flight

thing she shares

with her

siblings is ownership: VT own Clyde and lease her to the RN, initially for live years.

The aim is to keep the patrol vessel in the South Atlantic for the

duration of her career, carrying out maintenance work and relits in the southern hemisphere rather than bringing Clyde all the way

home.

That also

that unlike her predecessors Durnbarton and Leeds Castles, only one ship is required to patrol the Falklands.

As befitting the great river and centre of shipbuilding for which she is named, Clyde has had many predecessors, eight to be precise.

The Clyde lineage begins in I790 with :1 38—gun l'Ifth—rate. means

—

V

Shop

Online

—

www.navynews.co.ul< Shop

Online

—

www.navynews.co.ul<

From

then until

the

19305,

Clydes enjoyed unspectacular careers.

That changed with the seventh Clyde, a large Rix-'er—class submarine which crippled the German battleship Gneisenau, mauled Italian shipping in the .\-iediterranean, and finally struck against Japanese shipping in the solid if

most

latter stages of W'orld \V"ar 2. She earned all three of the ship’s battle honours.

The boat was scrapped in I940,

but the

name

was

resurrected

generators. 1 x emergency generator, VTC control and monitoring system, Annament: 1 x 30mm BMARC gun. 5 x GPMG. 2 x Mk-14 Minigun Sea boats: 1 x Pacific 22, 1 x Rigid Raider Mk III Helicopter: Flight deck can accommodate Lynx, Sea King or Merlin

within

a

decade

as

a

Ton-class

minesweeper. HMS Crichton, launched in 1953, was quickly retitled

Clyde,

a

she bore broken up

name

until the vessel was more than 30 years later.

HEROES or THE ROYAL NAVY No.54

Lt William Nathan Hewett VC AS IMPFIEGNABLE fortresses go. the crimson Sevastopol has proven to be rather

bastioéiblof n e

e.

Wehrmacht battered its way through the fortifications to raise the swastikain the summer of 1942. Within two years, the Red Army had booted it out again.

Pregnable it might be, but Sevastopol has always been a tough nut to crack. as the Allied armies learned in the autumn and winter of 185455 during the first modern siege of the fortress c

nine Tsar's amiies .

high. Just the da before they had beaten off an assault by Britis cavalry in a valley near Balaclava.

In due course. the Charge of the Light Brigade would enter military and lite mythology. but on October 26 1854 British orces were still reeling from the loss of two out of three of their finest cavalry.

In the wake of their victory. the Russian armies swept forward, detennined to dislodge were on a

the invader and throwhim into the BlackSea. Four thousand Russians swarmed forward, intent upon smashing the British right flank at Sevastopol. including a battery manned by a naval brigade.

At the head of the battery stood a prickly naval officer, 20-year-old Lt William athan Wrights Hewett known, perhaps whose fiery not affectionately, as ‘Bully’ temperament was matched by his doggedness.

In the heat of battle, commands and orders became muddled a recurring theme in the Crimean War. withtheRussians bearingdown on his battery.

Hewett received orders to spike his gun and fall back with his men. he snarled. “Retire be damned!

II H re Under ferocious Russian rifle fire, he and his men slowed the gun around, blew the parapet not into the advancing away and then fired Russian ranks at po nt-blank range.

The enemy attack faltered. The Russians fell back, but Hewett showed them no mercy. He replaced grapeshot with solid 68lb rounds and continued to pour fine on his foe.

And so, the Russian steamroller was rapulsed

'hl.lI'|lOf

-

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Originally published in Navy News, the newspaper of the Royal Navy.

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If‘

E

Sterling and

-

“l;letire?"

and the slopes of Careenage Ravine were a chamel house of slaughtered infantry.

Sevastopol would eventually fall to the invader but not until the lollowing year.

And the cannons which once ringed the fortress and were now in British hands would eventually be carried back to the mother isle where their metal would forge a new award for

-

gallantry.

‘Bully’ Hewett was only thefifthman to receive _

the Victoria cross from the monarch for which it was named.

Such patronage did his naval career no harm: in the subsequent three decades he rose to the rank of vice admiral, eventuallycommanding the Channel Squadron.

With age and higher rank, he became no less 'ckly (he clashed regularlywith a young ‘Jackie’ shot. an equally forthright figure, aboard HMS Ocean) but he remained hlghly-regarded by his contemporaries as a first-rate leader: He died in 1888 at Haslar and was buried with full honours In a lavish ceremony at Highland R o a d Cemetery in Southsea.

Kee RFA Argus has returned to her home port of Falmouth after a tenmonth deployment in the BIRTHDAY

girl

Middle East.

The ship has been serving as an aviation platform for 854 and 857 Naval Air Squadrons based at RNAS Culdrose.

While on deployment, RFA

with tradition g

-

Argus celebrated her 20th birthday, 3,000 miles from home.

She has been serving as a base for Sea King Mark 7 helicopters, which have been keeping an eye on life in the Arabian Gulf.

This surveillance allows the identification of abnormal

activity,

so

that other surface

intercept, leading to major drugs busts such as the

units

can

seizure made in June.

The aviation training ship demonstratedherlull capabilities throughout the deployment, providing supplies for HMS Edinburgh and HMS Argyll.

On the anniversary D-Day, she even conducted a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) to

Germany's FGS

Emden.

Not content with leaving it

that, the ‘all-seeing‘ ship's

at

Casualty Receiving Facility (CRF) remained ready for action during her time away.

International military figures who had an opportunity to witness the hospitals capability were surprised at the efficiency with which the unit

runs on

the

multi-functional ship.

This year marks RFA Argus’ 20th as a ship of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. after being acquired as a container ship in 1986.

The medical centre was added in readiness for her participation in the 1991 Gulf War. RFA Argus is the tenth British naval ship to bear the name, and the most recent of the 20th

was an aircraft acted as the eyes

century

which fleet.

carrier of the

Fitting, as the current RFA Argus seems to be living up to

that tradition.

O Mk 7 Sea Kings (Airborne Surveillance and Control) on RFA Argus’ flightdeck during her ten month Op Calash deployment to the Middle East

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008

—

—

HE journey from Shanghai had been slow and tedious for HMS Retribution, using sails instead of paddle wheels to conserve a dwindling coal supply.

The siezim trig: e‘s decks were 'em\vdei.i with ziriillerymen iiml

(fihines-e ihuurers-. id she iuweel lug _!1llnlJti:]t its site ed; 1 c user to‘i"edu, her route ITILlri{CLl In‘ the 1 ss e til‘ HMS l~‘Lii'iuus‘. hem‘ High (‘.nininis's‘it\i1er to Ch "1 Lord ;_.,in. stricken with illness. and she herself was .'\l;'in_\' of her hflllttrs u scarred from particip:iti:.sn in the .~\nglo—Chines'e W'ar which sought to pry open the stubborn door to the Celestial Kjiigdom.

But Ftirious an-cl Retribution were ltaines at odds with Elgin‘s mission though a show of strength, in the manner of the .-\iner'ieim Commodore Perry and his ‘Black Ships’ some five years before, certainly helped set the scene for the British diplomats.

The signing of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Japan marked the start of 150 years of oFfiL‘i'il links between the two cnuntiies, usually cordial t.hough with appalling exceptions.

Ycdo now goes by the name of Tokyo, there is no Retr utiun and ur I-'tii'i'uus in the R.\' I-1e buurd rook -_1_|;iines Bund theme, ing is no hunger an lshllc with (in Astnn .\ irtin on the ietty the price at \i'li:tie\'er fuel and the em-‘s will b l'nrmiii_e :1 speet the siiiltirs iif HMS Kent British tirms also dist 'i_\'eti their etitiltl eert:iinl_\' not aifttird tn wires on htiiirtl tltiring :1 l)elk:i14.'e when the ship lung sh on their is beds its littitistry I the ‘ype 23 frigate visiteti the ltusteeljiipii militiiry tmtl L1\l _lL1p:lI1L‘.\C e:ipit:il.

It fell Kent to displiiy the The RN dele ttlul \V' 'te lin gI'l in the Lind nf the Rising Sun 1' an ;ietiun— tteketl UK Chief of Stzil‘ iitniitl1—loi1i: Visit which eoiiicided who conducted eliplutti. with the 150th ttnniv sary uf the But while L ebrittinns to niiirk the '.!t‘lnl\'L‘t'\‘(! l-l1l'l'l]<.‘Li :1 i.‘entr;il signing of the Tre .-\l‘ter 1] _i:i‘;ind 3 al Ltttel fnritml pliinl-< in the ship's P1'(.‘gl'{ll‘l1Il'lI.‘. there were plenty nl’ other welcome by wanese iiflicitils. '.!Cli\'l'liL'H zind l:l.\l-is in keep the it Britislt I-itnlazissy reecpiiuii on .

—

.

"

.

-

.

_

.

.

.

-

.

O Clockwise from top left: Kent sailors reach the top of Mount Fuji in time to watch the sun rise; AB(WS) Cox protects the ship while coming alongside in Okinawa; Kent rehearses replenishment at sea approaches with USNS Ftappahannock (foreground) and USS McCampbell,' Kent on exercise as seen from JS Murasame; Kent approaches JS Murasame during a passing exercise or passex; the spectacular skyline of Tokyo; HMS Kent give a 21-gun salute on arrival in Tokyo; a tall-:0 drummer on board Kent during the Defence

Industry Day

Pictures:

LA(Phot) Owen King

high spirits

and

ship's L'ump:1n_\' in high \'pil'i't\ and fighting fnrm.

The ship coittitietetl tun

detn:Imlim_' Lmtl

tli1Teret1t exercise" the tint with elements of the L \';i\'_\'\ Pziei "e Fleet. the 5L‘CUIlt.l with [liL'J:l}1{1I1LM. .\l;iritime Sell‘ Defence Force (_|.\lSl)l-5).

For the first, Kent \mrl>:ed with .~\nierie-an .-\rleigh—Burke destro_vei' USS .\’te(‘.ampbeIl and supply ship US '5 Ri!ppL1l1:ll'll1l\Cl(.based with the Seventh Fleet :itYnkustik:i.in it iVUUI'-Ll‘.l_\' Llllll-.HLllZ\i'l'lLiI'il'lL‘.anti-air.

Lind electronic wtirfaire exercixe. \'er_\'

itiewpurtntitig bnurtling operaitimis

and gunnery drills.

_l-.ip;incxe tlC\‘[l‘(\_\‘t:l‘JS .\lUI‘:1S!'l1C

the fncm of the \LICOI'|d exercise. ciwering Lilili-!x'1.ll3II‘i:|l'll‘tL' wttrllire and e<l1ip—lt;1ndlin;: skills‘.

Ker1t‘s Principal \‘&'-'-.irt':tre Officer. Lt (Idr .\1:n'k .*\t1tlei':;ui1. said: “It went a long way In t‘urther strengthen Lll!'CL1Ll_\' strong tie> hetween the ].\lSI')l7 and the R;\' and \\'L1’S p:1TllCL|l11rl_\.' pnignunt given that this week 150 ye:ir.~' ttgn the first 1ICCOrkl\ were si,t.tt'tcLl." The um ships also excltattged persimnel during the exercise. ‘

One ml" the must iennic lil1LlgI:\; nf japan ix" the *%:lCI'L‘(l \'(\lCCll‘ltI Muunt l’uji. itntl ttltnost :1 qtutrter ul'tl1efrigtItt:'.<(.'Ul]'IP‘.lI1_\'ln11tlLZ it to the summit at '3.77(mi (13,388!-t).

The Kent lL‘:1I11, led by 1i.\'ectIti\'e Ollicer Lt Ctlr Mike Smith. lir<t climbed to u niuttntain refuge at 2,SOUni (‘J.1Sbft‘; where, (15 the wind rose. they rested 0\'L‘l'i'|.l§.'_l'l[ and enj0_\'etl :1 simple Jiipiitiese dinner ufbeef, rice and green tea.

Thefinalpushtothesummit proved challenging. and not

everyone

made

it

through driving. freezing rainacrossslipperypumice

stone in time to watch the sunrise.

1.-\(l’hut) Owen King did make it (tbrttiimtely. as he t\';is taking the piClLtrt:.s...) and tallitli “It was only after live minutes uf'elimbin;.v. it dawned on me how hard it W315 going to lie.

“I \\'£Ix‘ \>cr_v luck_\‘ to be able in elimb such -.1 beautiful mountain. zilthnugh I don't think I will make ‘.1 lizihit of climbing any more for quite some time my lcgs ttml-t

three tlatys tn ret:m.'er."

The lC.‘5$-(lLlVL‘I1[Uf(Vl.lSwere ulw able to marvel :11 all that Japan lius lo t)lTL'l'. bttlli liixluric (trzttiquil pal:tCe2~‘.. tctiiplcs and gardens) and modern (designer shuppiiig. l)isne_\'ltmd 'l'uk_\'o and ltarsiulze). liven though the subtler elements may he lust tn the gm_'jin ur outsider. it was <till part uf the experience Iiir the I'k*s of Lt Cdr Sue Btirruws, whu \ ted the temple of Senswii in Tokyo. l.i\'er_\'une \\".!.\ queuing to throw coins and how in front nl';I temple for mine reason. nu l did tun and then tlntde :1 tvisli." she xztitl.

“It turned nut later that was e>tz1ctl_\' the right thing to du altliuugh I‘m still waiting for my \l'i.\'l1 to cume true..."

Lt Cdr Smith said the ship‘s the reeugni-sed comp-.m_\' sigtiificaiiee of the visit: “The UK and japan continue to enjoy strung diplnniiitic and commercial linksa. and the opportunity." to deinunstratte that the UK is continuing to engage in this re;.tiun is an important part til‘ HMS Kent‘s tu.sking.“ “

—

to

N.-\VY I\'E\‘l'S, OCTOBER 2008

future Brighter for old Unicorn ICTORY. Cutty Sark. Belfast. Mary Rose. Great Britain.

Warrior. Unicorn.

Unicorn?

cit_\' with '.l proud sealiztring history and the home Dundee.

:1

Capt Scott's research ship Disco\'er_\'. has another itiaritinte oi"

gent hidden away.

.\lo.~.t people will never h;t\'e lteard of her. and her stor_\' is. on tlte tltee oi‘ it. none [(30 proiiiising.

She was built _\'e:ir.s alter \'-apoleon succtintbeel to stomach cancer on St Helena. and was latittclted straight into reserve.

The R.\' never even raised ti mast on her. and she langtiished ‘in ordiit;tr_\" for decades. eitlter idle or as a powder hulk: she was Lilniost used as :1 hospital ship during ‘:1 cholera epidemic.

Unicorn made just one sea voyage. when she was towed north by the paddle sloop Salamander to the Tay in late1873.

She never llitigltt a \‘.':II'. and never lired it gun iit anger. but this Cinderella \\'dT'\l1l|7 bears closer

set-uting.-.

For a start, lfnicorn I.\ probably tlte only Georgian man o‘war to take the surrender ol'a U-hoat.

And tliou_-_vh tier guns never spill iron. the ship still claimed one eneinf; victim.

Bertlted in Earl Grey l)m..'l<. she first acted as the new HQ and training ship for (‘.l'_\'de I)i\'is' in of llte RNR, later to become 'l'ay Ditisioit R.\'\"'R. The moi’ which liad been built on to hei' before launch pi'o\'ided excellent aceotntnodatiott for lraiiting and parades.

In both world wars slit: became a regional naval headquarters.

Dtiring the Great W’-ar she enlisted and trained

large

numbers oi" recruitst tnaity oi‘ whom went on to liglit with distinction in the trenches with the Royal .\’-.t\'al l)i\'ision.

Her silver band, which .stir\'i\'es today under another name. was -.i source of pride in Dundee. and displayed on Unicorn are tlte band's iit'is_:in-.il instrtititeiits, recovered Iront Bulflltllh alter the war.

In \‘\"orld ‘W-.ir 3 slit: was the '.ILln1ini.\Il".lIl\‘L' centre for noncivilian shipping on tlte 'lii_\' and for nearby ll.\lS Atitbrtise. tlte mtiltiniitioniil Ninth Subitiariite Flotilla base. which included l"reitelt. Dutch and l’oli~;l1boats.'.tiid lotir .\'or\\'et:ian ininesweepers.

Llnienrii was also :1 wireless tele_e,r;tph_\' tr;tiitin_e, administration centre for \'\"rens. and boasted a itiittiature title range.

Ironicull_\‘. she ‘look the L.'—ho:it surrender on .\l;t_\' ll I‘)-l5. L1 week after \\'-at" iit litirope had ended. (ierittan commander Ulur/t'tiiu.iiit Karl Johst had lost eonttiet with his htise and was tiita\i'ai'e that liostilities were over.

He surrendered his boat C3 520 aboard Unieorn. and his Nazi dirk is still on displ;t_\' on board.

L'nicorn's onl_\' victim was the U—boat‘s exeetitive ollieer. who bashed his head on a low fr-.iitie on leaving the ship; a pliotogrtiplt on display sliows tlte nt-an rtibbiitg his head tnotnents later.

Such oddities alone would not merit l,'nicorn‘s presermtioit.

1.ucl<il_vslteh:tdfaritioretoollcrtlte student of maritinte ari:l1aenlog_v.a lliet liriitly grasped by her last captain. Rennie Stewart.

liis tireless and valuable work is carried on today in part by l'll\ won

l.t Cdr Roderick Stewart.

Unicorn was linally paid oil in N08, when the R.\' moved to new stone t’1‘i_eate ll.\lS (‘.atnperdo\\'n. which was demolished four years ago the same late wliieh Ctiietirii inight have c>tpet.‘ted. either broken up or sunk by practice guitfire.

But (Iapt Stewart lll'tll‘.\l‘ltlllL‘Ll an tI1'I'l]_\' of supporters. a number with considerable influence (the current patron is the Princess Royal. wlto took over ltoiti her grandtnotlter). and the resultiiig L'tiit.‘orn Preserviititin Stieict)‘ threw the old ship a lifeline.

She was tin iittegral part of the British deterrent in the wake of the Napoleonic \\"ars. \\'l‘lC!l the (iu\‘t:t'I11ncl1I embarked on a

building prograinme to ensure no ttatioiiwouldseektotal<ead\‘antage of perceived we:tkites~.es.

Unicorn, with Trincomalee

in Hartlepool, is a survivor of the successful Leda~

class frigates. based on a French design and built between 1800 and 1830.

i'ede\'elopineitt.

but even without easy access to the eit_\' centre. she still attracts 1tl.tlt}U people it ‘\'e-ar. “l’»asie:illy. this is in the wroii<,: positioit.“ said ship tnana_<.ter Boh l"lo\'ell. “'l‘het'e is not much to bring people down here and then to the ship.

"I lopel‘ti|l_\' we will be movin_t: that will make a big difl'ereitee.“ That Iuove. it" all goes to plant will see Llnicorn l‘ntJ\'C to :1 new site on the i‘ede\'eloped river front. close to the Discovery and linked to the city centre by remodelled roads. paths and cycle routes.

It is halt'a ntile as the erow tlies. though she will need to cross to the south bank of the 'lit_\' on her way to pass tlirough the n:tei;::tble eh-.tnnel. Iltt‘)1‘<.‘ than doubling: the distance.

If the dream becomes reality. she will join another old (Zliailtatn man o'war on public display l-[MS Victory was launched in the satne _\".irtl six decades earlier.

And that l1ci'it:1_i:e is olwiotis as soon as you step aboard ziltlioiitzli smaller than Y\'elsun‘s ilagsliip.

Citietirit sliarcs the look and particularly the di\;tineti\‘e smell of seasoned timber. ttir and rope. »

Fast and powerlult they were the last word in sailing: \\".!rsl1i.s llIt:I':lll_\‘. By the time lfnicorn \\'(t.\' alloat. the X-.t\'j.' \\':ts -.tlre:td_\' !!www.lrigateunicorn.org with dabbling O Clockwise from top: Unicorns figurehead; steinii engines. the roofed main deck: the ship ‘s sturdy stern.

But the ideas of Sir Robert a distinctive Seppings innovation; a second Seppings. Sur\'e_\‘or figurehead displayed inside: Unicorn at her berth in Dundee of the I\‘a\'_v l.'H‘1 352, are ele-ai‘l_\' ‘F 'v // visible in Unieorti, /' p:trtieularl_\' the iron strettgtheititig ’// brackets which paved the \\'a}' for steam power and iron hulls.

She now sits liirloi'nl_\' in a basin surrounded by

,5?--'

,

An

I

IUJUV cu...

,

si..,_~ \I\ Did-inf!

-,..

arrr

‘

.

Iengthgrprocéss

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008

A

"EVERY Wings that comes in here

and sees the two-island design throws their hands up in horror.

But they all walk away happy.”

So says Steve Dowdell, the mission system director for the future carrier

under design by the Carrier Alliance.

There are a few conceptual issues for the navy's air carrier people to come to terms with.

Principal among them the realisation that there's a 20-minute walk between the bridge and Flyco, isolated within their own individual towers on the carrier's expansive flightdeck.

The putative members of the WE department might also blink in horror at the 1.740km of b|own—fibre cabling that will support the mission system embedded within these new carriers.

However the engineers of BAE

Systems Integrated Systems Technologies (Insyte) insist that their hard work in the planning will win anyone using the mission system around.

There‘ll also be afew raised eyebrows at the Ml:‘l'0C’s office: “No longer a window either, which I'm slightly

I do like theweatherman to know what's out there," remarked Cdr Simon Petitt, the Naval officer embedded in the team.

But he's reassured by the strength nervous about.

of the integrated METOC system which feeds in to the office.

only part of the massive mission system which needs to be functioning smoothly for All these elements

are

the carrier's arrival; main components include the combat system with radars, airtraffic control. navigation and bridge. voice, data and video networks in an

informationsystem, and communication

systems.

The mission system team are focused on identifying any problems early in the programme where changes can be made before construction is under way.

To this end they have built scale mock-ups of several of the compartments, watching as real matelots run through their everyday jobs, and —

tweaking the designs in response.

One example is within Flyco, where the team created a raised podium at the central position to ensure that eye-lines down to the deck were uninterrupted.

An additional bridge-wing was

another addition that became clear after some time spent monitoring the use of that space.

The team have also spent time developing an Air Group Management Application (AGMAl. Cdr Petitt said: "The aim of it is to help the operators move the aircraft around the deck.

Aircraft carriers currently use sticky models of the aircraft on a metal ship.

"And it works with eight or nine aircraft, but when you're looking at 30 plus, it starts to become a much more complex jigsaw. We realised early on that in order to reach our sortie rate generation, it was important that they had some help to do that.

“AGMA has been tested on HMS Illustriouswhere they found it so useful they wanted to keep it.”

He added: “We want to keep the sortie rate as lean as possible.

“One area that we've learnt a lot from the current carriers is layout. We've completely rearranged the current carriers so that the aircrew just walk through a series of briefings, rather than having to dot here, there and everywhere as they cunently do. “it sounds like common sense, but common—sense isn't all that common.“ They make no secret that they're not looking to bring in ground-breaking new technology on the future carrier. Steve Dowdell admits plainly: “A no surprises culture is what we're aiming for."

They want to know that the technology on board is proven; thatthe different systems work with each other; that the people on board will know what they need to do.

They're keeping the innovation firmly in their approach, drawing together the disparate strands of technology. vision and people early in the process to smooth the arrival of these big, big

ships.

Countering the unpredictable

__Mnnrr-’li'sirn vvvvw.

-

rxucn lll Minn -

mbda-systems.com

-

Mlsmt

17

I8

Can

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008

ON A dark yet moonlit night in Afghanistan, the blades of a Chinook whipped up the dust at Camp Bastion before carrying the helicopter into the Helmand sky.

Tonight's mission was routine or as routine as any flight in —

this troubled land is an hourlong hop to Kandahar airbase.

The helicopter had barely lifted off the hub of British operations in Afghanistan when a loud bang startled the crew in the rear cabin.

Fearing the worst, they started looking for bullet holes.

They found something even larger. A Ioadmaster realised he could see stars through the skin of the aircraft above his head.

After a quick look with a torch, the crew realised that they had a —

problem.

0 Cracks in the outer skin (top) and inner fuselage of a Chinook just one of the many engineering challenges the Fleet Forward Support (Air) team must contend with in Afghanistan and (below) a Minigun fitted to a Chinook with a chute to get rid of spent cartridge cases, as designed by the naval air engineers —

-

One of the main lift frames attaching the rear rotor to the aircraft had cracked and the skin had cracked with it, opening up the aircraft to the stars above.

The flight crew pondered their fate. Should they set the Chinook down in the middle of Afghanistan, knowing the Taleban were down there and thata multi-million pound aircraft might have to be destroyed by a Harrier to prevent it falling into enemy hands?

The captain was patched through to Kandahar. There was a specialist team of aircraft structural repairers on the base.

In his pit, a naval aircraft engineer officer slept soundly until a duty officer roused him and hurried him to the ops —

—

TOOTH.

After a quick brief, the lieutenant was passed the radio mike to advise the Chinook fliers only too well aware of the consequences of giving instructions to land —

immediately.

He discussed the crack with the aircrew, weighed up the situation. then decided the

Chinook was safe to continue its

journey

fix it?

we

with a caveat.

“Gentle manouvres only and monitor the crack for further propagation," he advised. "It the crack starts to get bigger rapidly. you'll have to land —

immediately."

A few minutes later, theaircraft landed safely at Kandahar.

Phew. Now the only thing left to figure out was how to fix it...

Which is where the naval aircraft structural repair team come in; you might remember them as the Mobile Aircraft Support Unit (MASU), butthey’ve recently been reorganised (see below for the new addition to the ‘family') and renamed Fleet Forward Support (Air).

They do what flightlunitl

squadron engineers generally cannot The entire UK Anned Forces‘ inventory of helicopters falls under these naval engineers’ wings RAF, Army Air Corps, Fleet Air Arm it doesn't matter (the RAF deal with fixed-wing -

repairs).

“You know how they advertise the RAC and AA as the ‘fourth emergency service’? Well. we’re it for

structural

repairs in Afghanistan

mostly the result

of wear and tear rather than enemy action. and mostly involving RAF Chinooks. Beyond the obvious dangers, with the heat and the dust, it's a gruelling tour of duty: two months on. two months off.

And it's not just a case of sitting in a hangar waiting for a helicopter to be delivered so you can fix it. Wherever a helicopter is damaged, invariably that's where you'll find the Fleet FS(Air) -

engineers.

“When your aircraft structure fails it's not always in a convenient location," says Cdr Nigel Higgins. Fleet FS(Air)'s Commanding Officer.

And if, in the middle of the Afghan steppe. you cannot fix that Sea King or Chinook and you cannot recover the aircraft by road or air, there is the last resort: blow it up to prevent it falling into enemy hands. At least three airframes have met this fate in theatre.

Even seemingly minor battle damage in Afghanistan can have major ramifications in the

long tenn.

damaged helicopters.

“Wheneverthere's a call, we're there," says Lt Andy Stancliffe.

"Helicopters are helicopters we can look at an Apache one day, Lynx the next day, Chinook the day after that. We have corporate experience going back over 40 years to call upon."

—

Most of the 100 or so MASU staff are based at Fleetlands in Gosport, but given Britain's current emphasis on operations in Afghanistan. a five-strong team of engineers is permanently based in Afghanistan. The team covers repairs to all UK helicopters out there and even has a limited fixed wing repair capabilitythanks to the addition of a sergeant from its RAF cousins at St Athan.

The Kandahar team has conducted more than 100 —

You could. for example, leave a bullet hole in a helicopter fuselage. In the short tenn, it

is just a hole and the aircraft is still flyable. But over time. the stresses and strains placed on the aircraft. plus exposure to the elements. mean the hole will grow. And that's not good. So. a stitch in time saves nine.

It's the environment and tempo of operations rather than enemy action which takes its toll more than anything else in Helmand, however.

One lesson from Afghanistan is the strain of flying Chinooks with the rear tailgate down, invariably with a gunner perched on it. Engineers began to notice cracks appearing in the rear of one of the helicopters. They called in the ‘fourth emergency service‘ to have a look.

“Had it failed. the whole rear

turret, including rotors and

engine could

have

come

off.”

As well as fixing the crack, the team has also provided advice to the rest of the Chinook fleet to prevent other helicopters falling victim to the same problem.

It's easy to focus on Afghanistan and Iraq they are the concentrations of effort by Britain's anned forces.

But there are eleven other three-strong MASU teams dedicated to the rest of the world. And they're no less busy.

The global map at the engineers‘ H0 is littered with dots marking recent repair missions. of Judith Chalmers b it.

Vancouver, Japan. South Korea. Malaysia, Kenya. most of the Gulf. Sierra Leone. Belize.

—

()Beginning

Norway. Falklands, Bosnia,

Gibraltar.

(End of Judith Chalmers bit.)

And then there's Istanbul and a Merlin which almost tell of the flight deck of HMS Illustrious (you might have read about it in the nationals. who thought it was most amusing...).

A repair officer flew out first to inspect the stricken bird. took copious photographs and finally produced an action plan for the repair team... who flew out to meet Lusty in Gib and fixed the helicopter, such that it could fly with the rest of 814 NAS' Tigers when they returned to Culdrose en masse.

Whether it's working on a ship rolling around in the Atlantic or stuck out in the middle of the Afghan steppe, what's invariably required is ingenuity and innovation.

“It's a job which requires improvisation." explains Cdr Higgins. “Take one Chinook repair the team did recently. A ‘full’ repair would have taken six weeks. We did an expedient repair in 12 days.”

Expediency and innovation invariably lead to invention... and here we come to another. critical role for the MASU team: aircraft service modification.

If a helicopter needs an urgent.

An institution where

TO ALMOST everyone in the aviation world, mention the letters M I G and the most likely response is Russian

jets.

NEED initial FREE LEGAL ADVICE? Then contact:

A Nationwide network of

highly experienced Independent Solicitors

Who advise and represent Service Personnel. Reservists. the Civil Service and their Families

Contact:

0845 601 1 260 or

www.forcesIaw.com for

Local

a

Lawyer who

SPEAKS YOUR LANGUAGE COURTS MARTIAL DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES EMPLOYMENT -

-

and REINSTATEMENT of RESERVE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVICE -

INVESTIGATIONS CRIME -

-

HOUSE

or

BUSINESS PURCHASE

SALE including LSAP's DIVORCE CHILDRENPENSIONS and TERMINAL GRANTS ACCIDENTS and COMPENSATION ARMED FORCES COMPENSATION SCHEME PREVIEW WILLS or DEATH of a RELATIVE or

-

-

-

-

Except in Gosport.

Less publicisedthanthefabled Soviet aircraft manufacturer, but crucial to the safety of Britain's helicopter fleet, is the Fleet FS (Air) Materials Integrity Group (MIG), housed in a collection of anonymous brick buildings at

Fleetlands.

MIG is a mix of internationally recognised scientists (there are remarkablyfew men and women in white coats wandering around its corridors, disappointingly) and Service personnel whothrow their front—line experiences and expertise into the mix.

Their aim is to ensure that a helicopter does not fail (ie crash) because one of its components failed materially (hence the

group's name).

But any helicopter,

be it aboard HMS Somerset in the Med. in Basra airbase. or being used to training rookie Sea King crews in Yeovilton. requires

constant monitoring.

Given the emphasis on British operations in the Gulf and Afghanistan in the past decade. there's been particularly close scrutiny of the impact of those harsh environments on the hardworked whirlybirds.

Squadron engineers carry out regular servicing, but they also send regular samples containing small metal particles in the oil from the bearings and gears, back to Gosport.

Here. using processes ranging from the Mk1 to Eyeball, sophisticated

worn

analytical equipment such

as

spectrometers and electron microscopes. the samples are analysed for what should and shouldn't be there.

Such is the nature of engines and gearboxes that there will -

~

always be some traces or particles of metal in oil the important questions are: how -

much and which metal? with 40 years‘

experience d

r a w

to

upon, a huge database of metallic wear conditions has been compiled allowing the MIG team to pinpoint which particular component the metal came from allowing the scientists in turn to advise the front—line units whether the engine or gearbox needs to be replaced The system works. "I've been working here for 24 years and I have never lost an aircraft on my watch due to a predictable failure," says the head of the ‘wear debris analysis‘ team (the nature of their work means the MIG-ers must remain —

.

anonymous).

That, of

course. does not mean that helicopters have not been lost for manifold reasons

over the past

half century.

Most people will have heard of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch. Perhaps less well known is

the scientific work done by the MIG team. Their aim is the same, however: to assist in detennining the cause of an aircraft crash.

"The 550,000 question is: was the damage caused by the crash or did it actually cause the crash?," explains one of the scientific investigators.

Take a Lynx which came down heavily on Salisbury Plain: its tail vital for the rotor drive shaft aircraft's stability had failed.

Was it the heavy landing which caused it or had it failed before the Lynx came down?

An inspection from the MIG experts determined it was the fomier... and thankfullyit wasn't a problem across the entire Lynx fleet.

“One simple indication is the filaments in the lights on a warning panel. If they can prove to have been heated at the time of a crash, then that's an indication that one —

—

I8

Can

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008

ON A dark yet moonlit night in Afghanistan, the blades of a Chinook whipped up the dust at Camp Bastion before carrying the helicopter into the Helmand sky.

Tonight's mission was routine or as routine as any flight in —

this troubled land is an hourlong hop to Kandahar airbase.

The helicopter had barely lifted off the hub of British operations in Afghanistan when a loud bang startled the crew in the rear cabin.

Fearing the worst, they started looking for bullet holes.

They found something even larger. A Ioadmaster realised he could see stars through the skin of the aircraft above his head.

After a quick look with a torch, the crew realised that they had a —

problem.

0 Cracks in the outer skin (top) and inner fuselage of a Chinook just one of the many engineering challenges the Fleet Forward Support (Air) team must contend with in Afghanistan and (below) a Minigun fitted to a Chinook with a chute to get rid of spent cartridge cases, as designed by the naval air engineers —

-

One of the main lift frames attaching the rear rotor to the aircraft had cracked and the skin had cracked with it, opening up the aircraft to the stars above.

The flight crew pondered their fate. Should they set the Chinook down in the middle of Afghanistan, knowing the Taleban were down there and thata multi-million pound aircraft might have to be destroyed by a Harrier to prevent it falling into enemy hands?

The captain was patched through to Kandahar. There was a specialist team of aircraft structural repairers on the base.

In his pit, a naval aircraft engineer officer slept soundly until a duty officer roused him and hurried him to the ops —

—

TOOTH.

After a quick brief, the lieutenant was passed the radio mike to advise the Chinook fliers only too well aware of the consequences of giving instructions to land —

immediately.

He discussed the crack with the aircrew, weighed up the situation. then decided the

Chinook was safe to continue its

journey

fix it?

we

with a caveat.

“Gentle manouvres only and monitor the crack for further propagation," he advised. "It the crack starts to get bigger rapidly. you'll have to land —

immediately."

A few minutes later, theaircraft landed safely at Kandahar.

Phew. Now the only thing left to figure out was how to fix it...

Which is where the naval aircraft structural repair team come in; you might remember them as the Mobile Aircraft Support Unit (MASU), butthey’ve recently been reorganised (see below for the new addition to the ‘family') and renamed Fleet Forward Support (Air).

They do what flightlunitl

squadron engineers generally cannot The entire UK Anned Forces‘ inventory of helicopters falls under these naval engineers’ wings RAF, Army Air Corps, Fleet Air Arm it doesn't matter (the RAF deal with fixed-wing -

repairs).

“You know how they advertise the RAC and AA as the ‘fourth emergency service’? Well. we’re it for

structural

repairs in Afghanistan

mostly the result

of wear and tear rather than enemy action. and mostly involving RAF Chinooks. Beyond the obvious dangers, with the heat and the dust, it's a gruelling tour of duty: two months on. two months off.

And it's not just a case of sitting in a hangar waiting for a helicopter to be delivered so you can fix it. Wherever a helicopter is damaged, invariably that's where you'll find the Fleet FS(Air) -

engineers.

“When your aircraft structure fails it's not always in a convenient location," says Cdr Nigel Higgins. Fleet FS(Air)'s Commanding Officer.

And if, in the middle of the Afghan steppe. you cannot fix that Sea King or Chinook and you cannot recover the aircraft by road or air, there is the last resort: blow it up to prevent it falling into enemy hands. At least three airframes have met this fate in theatre.

Even seemingly minor battle damage in Afghanistan can have major ramifications in the

long tenn.

damaged helicopters.

“Wheneverthere's a call, we're there," says Lt Andy Stancliffe.

"Helicopters are helicopters we can look at an Apache one day, Lynx the next day, Chinook the day after that. We have corporate experience going back over 40 years to call upon."

—

Most of the 100 or so MASU staff are based at Fleetlands in Gosport, but given Britain's current emphasis on operations in Afghanistan. a five-strong team of engineers is permanently based in Afghanistan. The team covers repairs to all UK helicopters out there and even has a limited fixed wing repair capabilitythanks to the addition of a sergeant from its RAF cousins at St Athan.

The Kandahar team has conducted more than 100 —

You could. for example, leave a bullet hole in a helicopter fuselage. In the short tenn, it

is just a hole and the aircraft is still flyable. But over time. the stresses and strains placed on the aircraft. plus exposure to the elements. mean the hole will grow. And that's not good. So. a stitch in time saves nine.

It's the environment and tempo of operations rather than enemy action which takes its toll more than anything else in Helmand, however.

One lesson from Afghanistan is the strain of flying Chinooks with the rear tailgate down, invariably with a gunner perched on it. Engineers began to notice cracks appearing in the rear of one of the helicopters. They called in the ‘fourth emergency service‘ to have a look.

“Had it failed. the whole rear

turret, including rotors and

engine could

have

come

off.”

As well as fixing the crack, the team has also provided advice to the rest of the Chinook fleet to prevent other helicopters falling victim to the same problem.

It's easy to focus on Afghanistan and Iraq they are the concentrations of effort by Britain's anned forces.

But there are eleven other three-strong MASU teams dedicated to the rest of the world. And they're no less busy.

The global map at the engineers‘ H0 is littered with dots marking recent repair missions. of Judith Chalmers b it.

Vancouver, Japan. South Korea. Malaysia, Kenya. most of the Gulf. Sierra Leone. Belize.

—

()Beginning

Norway. Falklands, Bosnia,

Gibraltar.

(End of Judith Chalmers bit.)

And then there's Istanbul and a Merlin which almost tell of the flight deck of HMS Illustrious (you might have read about it in the nationals. who thought it was most amusing...).

A repair officer flew out first to inspect the stricken bird. took copious photographs and finally produced an action plan for the repair team... who flew out to meet Lusty in Gib and fixed the helicopter, such that it could fly with the rest of 814 NAS' Tigers when they returned to Culdrose en masse.

Whether it's working on a ship rolling around in the Atlantic or stuck out in the middle of the Afghan steppe, what's invariably required is ingenuity and innovation.

“It's a job which requires improvisation." explains Cdr Higgins. “Take one Chinook repair the team did recently. A ‘full’ repair would have taken six weeks. We did an expedient repair in 12 days.”

Expediency and innovation invariably lead to invention... and here we come to another. critical role for the MASU team: aircraft service modification.

If a helicopter needs an urgent.

An institution where

TO ALMOST everyone in the aviation world, mention the letters M I G and the most likely response is Russian

jets.

NEED initial FREE LEGAL ADVICE? Then contact:

A Nationwide network of

highly experienced Independent Solicitors

Who advise and represent Service Personnel. Reservists. the Civil Service and their Families

Contact:

0845 601 1 260 or

www.forcesIaw.com for

Local

a

Lawyer who

SPEAKS YOUR LANGUAGE COURTS MARTIAL DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES EMPLOYMENT -

-

and REINSTATEMENT of RESERVE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVICE -

INVESTIGATIONS CRIME -

-

HOUSE

or

BUSINESS PURCHASE

SALE including LSAP's DIVORCE CHILDRENPENSIONS and TERMINAL GRANTS ACCIDENTS and COMPENSATION ARMED FORCES COMPENSATION SCHEME PREVIEW WILLS or DEATH of a RELATIVE or

-

-

-

-

Except in Gosport.

Less publicisedthanthefabled Soviet aircraft manufacturer, but crucial to the safety of Britain's helicopter fleet, is the Fleet FS (Air) Materials Integrity Group (MIG), housed in a collection of anonymous brick buildings at

Fleetlands.

MIG is a mix of internationally recognised scientists (there are remarkablyfew men and women in white coats wandering around its corridors, disappointingly) and Service personnel whothrow their front—line experiences and expertise into the mix.

Their aim is to ensure that a helicopter does not fail (ie crash) because one of its components failed materially (hence the

group's name).

But any helicopter,

be it aboard HMS Somerset in the Med. in Basra airbase. or being used to training rookie Sea King crews in Yeovilton. requires

constant monitoring.

Given the emphasis on British operations in the Gulf and Afghanistan in the past decade. there's been particularly close scrutiny of the impact of those harsh environments on the hardworked whirlybirds.

Squadron engineers carry out regular servicing, but they also send regular samples containing small metal particles in the oil from the bearings and gears, back to Gosport.

Here. using processes ranging from the Mk1 to Eyeball, sophisticated

worn

analytical equipment such

as

spectrometers and electron microscopes. the samples are analysed for what should and shouldn't be there.

Such is the nature of engines and gearboxes that there will -

~

always be some traces or particles of metal in oil the important questions are: how -

much and which metal? with 40 years‘

experience d

r a w

to

upon, a huge database of metallic wear conditions has been compiled allowing the MIG team to pinpoint which particular component the metal came from allowing the scientists in turn to advise the front—line units whether the engine or gearbox needs to be replaced The system works. "I've been working here for 24 years and I have never lost an aircraft on my watch due to a predictable failure," says the head of the ‘wear debris analysis‘ team (the nature of their work means the MIG-ers must remain —

.

anonymous).

That, of

course. does not mean that helicopters have not been lost for manifold reasons

over the past

half century.

Most people will have heard of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch. Perhaps less well known is

the scientific work done by the MIG team. Their aim is the same, however: to assist in detennining the cause of an aircraft crash.

"The 550,000 question is: was the damage caused by the crash or did it actually cause the crash?," explains one of the scientific investigators.

Take a Lynx which came down heavily on Salisbury Plain: its tail vital for the rotor drive shaft aircraft's stability had failed.

Was it the heavy landing which caused it or had it failed before the Lynx came down?

An inspection from the MIG experts determined it was the fomier... and thankfullyit wasn't a problem across the entire Lynx fleet.

“One simple indication is the filaments in the lights on a warning panel. If they can prove to have been heated at the time of a crash, then that's an indication that one —

—

Ell

.\l.»\\-"Y ?\'l{\\I'S. 0(i'l'()l§liREllllfi

Show-stoppers AFTER last month‘s appearance at the Tall Ship's parade in Liverpool and Meet Your Navy in Portsmouth, the spotlight continued to focus on HMS Argyll.

The frigate was named as guardship for the four~day Dartmouth Regatta, the annual festival of sail in the shadow of the alma mater of the naval officer corps.

She wasn't the sole RN asset on display. The Flying Tigers (814 HAS) sent a Merlin to perform a ten-minute Show over the Devonshire town and the Black Cats. the FlN‘s Lynx display team, also dropped in.

Once again this summer, the British weather did throw a spanner in the works, causing some aerial displays (including a parachute jump) to be cancelled.

And the RAF muscled in on RN ‘home turf‘ by dispatching (1) the Battle of Britain memorial flight to raise the curtain on the regatta, (2) a Eurofighter Typhoon for a demonstration of raw and roar power and (3) the Red Arrows to wow crowds on the busiest day of the festival.

That's enough of the Crabs. for they weren't the only ones making noise in Dartmouth. Argyll fired an 11—gun salute as she arrived on the river, before opening her decks to the public, who arrived by passenger boat from the shore.

More than 2,000 people made the trip, while Sea Cadets were treated to guided —

tours.

The

—

regatta transforms

an

otherwise

fairly sleepy coastal

town into a hustling. bustling trap for tourists and sailors.

Not all the sporting activity occurs on the Dart, however. An all-ranks tug of war team headed ashore and almost lifted the trophy. coming second of 16 sides hauling and straining.

formal level, Argyll hosted an official dinner for dignitaries. plus a flight deck reception for local VIPs. After a high-profile dmgs bust [see page 6), the the west coast of Scotland for NATO war games ship is now off before paying her first visit to her affiliated city of Glasgow.

Back on the south coast, another regatta hosted not one but two vessels: HMS Tyne and RFA Mounts Bay. Both were in the Cornish port of Fowey (as were the Red Arrows], with landing craft ferrying tourists out to the auxiliary at 16,000 tons she’s far too large to come alongside.

Meanwhile in Wales... There was no regatta for HMS Cornwall, just three well-deserved days at Cardiff's Britannia Quay a visit which coincided with Sea Sunday, a celebration/commemorationof the lives of seafarers.

Cornwall also opened her gangway to visitors and invited local Sea Cadets on board for a tour.

And let's not forget Northern Ireland. The Sea Cadets certainly didn't as they staged their national regatta in Carrickfergus... something which demanded a sizeable RN presence.

Survey ship HMS Enterprise recently seen in Belfast Bay was the largest, if not necessarily loudest. Senior Service asset on show.

For a start. the Commando Display Team showed the good folk of Northern Ireland the art of unarmed combat.

And their musical comrades were in action throughout the weekend. The Corps of Drums performed at Bangor's Clifton School before a full RM Band a concert in the town's conference centre for Seafarers UK and the Sea adets.

That wasn't the end to the Corps‘ musical input at the regatta; there were two daytime concerts to perform before a Beat Retreat brought the curtain down on the festival, accompaniedby a firework and laser display.

On

a more

—

—

—

O A wave from an aircrewman as a Merlin from the Flying Tigers perfonns in rather murky skies over Britannia Royal Naval College Picture: Lt Chris Simpson, 314 NAS during Dartmouth Regatta

Etaged

-L’4« St Dunstan’s An independent future for blind ex—Service men and women

it

it

,

_e>ttraordinary workof St Dunsta n’s.

3blish.ed in 1915, St Dunstan’s provides u'ppor't and training for visually

‘

Craig Lundberg, St Dunstaner

“

—

J

'3‘

0 inside a British nuclear submarine with Subsafe

GAMES and serious aren’t words that you see linked too often.

the University of Birming am. Prof or Robert Stone is leading a small team looking at : rious gaming, tt'ri'te.i Halt ( ll.

Thcrcs more than enough new pers out there bemoaning the ‘Pla station Generation‘ but last year Chief of the General Staff Gen r Richard Dannatt pra d the bilitiesof the Pl But

at

hun— of thousands in virtual reality

dreds,

even

to

never want

pounds technology and of

touch the stuff

ld report.

They introduced us to a small company in Sh tesbury called Incredible Box. Together we‘ve produced this demonstration for the Submarine School called SubS; ‘.

fair amount ofnrclnanc into the sea and got to get back on track." a

The gun lires a distincti 'hosepipe' trail as the virtual bullets hit the virtual the selection prt.

“We assume they water The splash“If it works great. th can “SubSal'e es aren't right yet. know how to use a everytliing we go out for tender to he built. If it doesn’t, it costs nothing." hoped to do for hypodermic. They’ve I m told, they to be bigger.

Prof Stone himself h' F(.)Si\"l back in got to make the right nc and create more the 1990s but ground in virtual realitx decisions to save this visual disturbance absolutely frank about its failings: couldn‘t be ause virtual |ife.“ guy's around the exact “Expensive and unreliable tech- of the effort, the site of the bullet entry. nolo software to Is, the computers just didn't work.

Fortunately submarines are not "So when I came to the univerwere prohib ely expe often lost on the sea—be but the decided that ifwe‘re going to “\\’.-'e have dentonstratcd it at Afghanis n rid Iraq. ‘tic submersiblcs such do something that L nnport and I-‘ ane: and it has There is .1 wave the [R5 or the new .\l.'\TO l't.‘LLl ‘ed some ace ides. Even the of people joining “The jury is still out as is really oing to submarine rescue s‘ tent still make a diherent. surface fleet looking at it now.“ to how effective this the Services who have to be trained and ready to And so the nest six months will form of simulation is" “5 got to work have grown tip in respond. on pretty humble it c this interactive 3D a world of chalOnce again the team in it's got to be L velbeing put to th t t by real sublenges generated within computer laptops. and software Birmingham are able to use existthat can be mariners in Devonport. oped using games, and the scientists and psying games technologies to create more-or—less free of It do n‘t take long for the mind chologists of the Hum n Factors distributed :1 realistic portrayal of a stricken otherwise no one is going to atljust to the virtual world, Integration Defence lechnology charge, em ing from the particularly when s eh meticulous submarine Centre (I-IFI DT J are loo ing to use it." murky gloom of the seabed, Before joining their first subcare has been taken to mea: ire, into ways to harness that learnBirmingham's Rob Guest has junior submari ers are record and photograph the r it_\-‘. ing experience into valuable tools marines, taken through a course of lectures Subs-afe uses freely available developed new techniq ‘s and for the countr Armed Forces, effe is to recreate the distortions and briefings in Plyntouth to learn games iftw-are. and allows users including the Royal Navy. of light and bubble trails, the their wa around and know where to mo There is, of course, no substismoothly around the pull of currents and the push of safe wquipnient can be found. deck oi the submarine, through tute for the real thing.

The sit in a classroom before hatch and into compartments. motors, the onboard cameras of You want to explore the interior virtual submarine appc ring of-.1 British nuclear submarine? Of lectures and sl‘ ‘, with models finding their \ to alarm switch- the on the \ irtual screens ofthc. irtual and CLl[L\\\ discussed before es and fety kit such as fire e. c .urse, _vou w it to clainberdown interior. their eyes, in. one and so. for on ’elf. guishers.

The realm of defence medicine In the next six months, if curAnotlier demonstrator being ‘X m to fire ii m gun? Then is also within the I-IFI DTC’s rent evaluation trials go well, dwelt ed in Birmingham is the and _ves, ideally you're stood on the here the focus is on dec. ship firing future submarine s will look at Dillon rninigun trainer, complete training upper deck of a gr the right choices their computer scr -n and move real ammunition at cal targets. with a realistic grip to mirror the in the making right time as the presBut that's not alwa pus. 'blc smoothlyaround in de the virtual real gun’s controls. wh- e the sure piles on, which for teasons of geography, timing, world of the subn rine under a “The m st important piece of sounds and distracthe human factors work i this appearance, new project, SubSale. cost, and global commitments. tit-ms of a realistic environment And so the potential of games Subsafe actumanual ll'l[|. ce, “I decided that if ke_v to putting the user into the technolo v that can be loaded on ally grew iut getting used to are we‘re going to do thickof the ac of some initial the the to a dc. top PC is being unloc handling, something that is Prof Stone sat : “\\3"e vc been at Birmingham by Profs. ‘tr work done for really going to make a firing, the dials working with the Royal Centre Officer Stone and his lead developer Rob and I-‘lag ivhtitever," for Defence Medicine, lo king at Submarines back difference, it's got to Gut. l Prof whether remarked or not the seriou games work on pretty humble Stone.

S e of it "mply about in concept can work for training s irlaptops" Pres the trigger teaching familia t_v and corgcons going over to Afghanis an rect procedure, some of it about sor was int-oltcd on at minigun and for procedures that the_\-"re not eht half—second delay nornia1l_ managing expectation, some of it in developing the gun simulators familiar with. about recogiii. rig access is limited at HMS Collingwood. much but it's enough to “Th re in :1 virtual field hosto the real thing but people still asibilitystudies disori ntate for a moment. pital [L t or on b iard RFA Argus, need the training ante to us and 'hen trainees press that butand it's a de on trainer, not ‘Do _\ u think on can use "Ei rything do is drix n b ton lor the first time and nothing a skills trainer. Wu: assume they rtual reality to help people happens. even for half a secoi Prof Ston know how to u a cannula or a ll out as to become more spatially aware of think ‘what's happening h_\ odermic. They got to make how effect 'e thi form ofsimulathe It in of SSN and SSBN?‘ So nd they relax," hi. idded. the right deci ‘on-s thin four and d we would look at it. tion is," he ded. “\X"e are trywe ‘hen the weapon kit. s down. a half minutes to save this virtual “A out two and a half years And that's what we’ve been trying ing to inter SI people in getting involved, tr_ ng to placate those ago, the gu). ‘it Abbe W-'ood got [0 FCCTCECC. Th re is a continuum of train1 for that "‘\\-'e"rc still working on that people who invested many tens, in touch with us and ing teclinologi here At one end we've got decision— ed training. and at the other end we’ve got basic skills trainin “And what w for skills trainer to be rigorriu about what the scenario looks like, you can use simple graphi backed up \ 'th realistic inter (‘L s, like the minigun. “\\'i'heii _vou move on to decision making, we need to pay much more attention to the sight‘ and sounds, bcc will influence the next ClCL “For medical training, that decision needs to be right first time everv time.“ rd that end, Prof Stone I can't \ ait to start using I Iatest off-the—shelf discot of hardware that brings rea O A virtual Scylla on the seabed, a project thatis being worked on with the National Marine Aquarium smells to the training simulation. and the Marine Biological Association f)iJT_‘flUIl' dc submarine, an_vone.”~

again, and we’re trying to produce demonstrators th t help de-risk .

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There was at late-evening briefing OR the first time and to sliow the t-olunteer reserve for in 13 years the forces at their best, developing their for all before they turned in re'.1t:l_\' Lin e:1rl_\'—moming eleptirttire. cripiihilitt‘. broad pennant iIpL'i‘:llinI'|11l All the Ltcti\'it_\' wits captured by One of the participants was Lt of Fleservist Li BBC South West reporter, and Cllfis I’:iri'_\‘ RNR. who was lrzlilul a commodore has been suhsequentl_\' broadcast on prime- on board I-‘ort Austin h_\' the BBC time news progriiniines over two reporter. deployed at sea as his Ll(1_\' Lt Parry sztidz "For mziny this .\'. forces tackled a highThe reservists made full use of was their first experience of actuweekend of the ttLixili:ir_\" st:3te—ot‘—t|1e—L1rt facil- ally getting z1t\'n_t' to sea. hi7.;irre tempo ities, with Type 22 frigate HMS though this soum‘ls. intensive training. and L1 Lynx helicop“This weekend w:t.s' meant to Cdre Stephen Thorne, CLll'|'ll‘3L‘1'l:\l1Ll ter from 702 N:1\';Il :\ir Squztvtlron. ‘expose-‘ new £ll'lLl potential recruits

Commodore

Reserves,

presided

Mariiiine over

a

gathering of more than 100 of the South \X-"est‘s reservists at and oil Portland.

The grotintl—bre:iking event. rtin and eo-ordinated under the atispices oI'Cdre Jamie Miller,.\'a\':1| Regional C.0l‘l1l‘l1iIl1Li<.‘l' \V-"estern Engliind. saw potential new recruits as well as serving reservists from HMS Forward (Birttiiiiglutin), HMS Flying Fox (Bristol), HMS Cambria (South \\I':tles) and HMS Vivid (I’lj.'mouth) sail otit on hoard Royal Fleet .-\uxiliLtr_\' supply ship liort Austin for :1 series ol" reiilistie training exercises.

This wzis the tirst time since the RNR gave Lip its own fleet ofs-hips in 1095 that such :1 large training exercise has taken plziee at sea. enabling resei'\*ists to hone their general l1fl\‘i]l and seniiitiiisliip skills

Yeovilton,llown by reservists, also joining in to add to the training Value, The boat triinsfer out to the aux-

hosed

iliary

tit

on

I-‘riclziy evening prtwieleel

the first ehiillenge I‘L‘l:1Ii\'L'l_\' simple in the right gear. but for those who lldtl corne sir-.1i,=,*ht t‘i-om work there was the problem of stiitczises and keeping civ\'_v suits and the like from being, sotiketl in $L‘1l\\':.lT.CI'.

to as

tip

the se:t—going experience, as well keeping the sziltier of sea dogs to

speed.

“Indeed. for me. this was my lirst experience of being zilloat with the RFA in nearly ['3 _\'e;irs."

The reservists were divided into teams, who IHfl\'L‘Ll through the various parts ol‘ the ship to unL‘lert:1l<e training during the weekend.

Exercises iI‘lL.'iLlLlCLl weapon

O Clockwise from above: HMS Cumberlandduring the training weekend; LCIS NathanDuke (HMS Cambria) climbs aboard; a fast and furious game of flight deck hockey; LA Pyne signals to a Lynx from 702 Naval Air Squadron; Flight deck crew wait to go into action; CPO Daisy Adams RNR (HMS Vivid) joins in with the SODS opera; Logs Laura Meeling {HMS Vivid) undergoes firefighting training; ABSea Michael ‘Nobby' Clarke (HMS Flying Fox) practises weapons drill; Cdre Jamie Miller travels between RFA Fort Austin and HMS Cumberlandbyjackstay transfer; sailors take a more familiarform of transport; POSea ‘Snowy’ Dixon

and Logs Nick Hand, both of HMS Flying Fox,

help with the flight deck barbecue

Pictures:

LA(Phot) Alex Cave (FRPU East)

t

I

t-a3_.r5¥

eturn to

ziniphihinus \\'zirt';ire triiining. danitige control 11l'lLl lireligliiitig. and (1 \'t1riet_\' of tasks tlesigiied tn iitiprzwe eutniiitiiitl and letitlersliip and

skills.

.\leml\ers of the RNR‘s .-\hu\'e Witter Force Pl'UT.C[_"[l0I1 (A\'€"l*'l’) hrtineh irziinetl on board In further <.'lt.‘\'Clup their wertpmis and eunihtit teelmiques, atlluwiiig them to pruvide ti deterrent force capable nfgtitirditig ships :m_\'\\‘l'IL‘l’L2 in the world in times uflieighieiied threat levels.

‘Hie RNR Air Branch tuuk over RI-‘A Fort .-\Listit1'.s flight deck for the weekeiitl. 1ll'lLl more than 20 t‘eser\'ists experienced the IL‘l‘l‘il:\'il'l;.'. but t_‘Xl'lllJ1‘;1Ill1g feeling of being .\'I.l.\p|.‘nLlCt‘l met the t\CL‘L1l1 on :1 light itIt:l»:st;i_\‘ between Fort .-‘tustin and IIMS Cuniherlimd us the [\\‘0 ships steamed tilting the ('lh;inne1.

Sport tilsn hzid ii place. including at fiLTliL‘l_\"Cn)’lIL'5'lCLl deck litiekey emiipetititm which n.slt.‘K1!s'il‘1l_\' aimed to develop teamwork.

'Ilie RN spurt fetittires :1 rope ring for it ptick. nitiking it clnser in ice llncl-i::_\‘ than the field vers-imi

o-"""" u

llintigh it is "zi cluse relative of the thrust LlLl!1gt.'l’ULl$ sport on Earth mixed hockey." sziitl I.t I’:irr_v.

And the reservists. even llvtiiid time for that all impurt-um tiiival trtiditioti im Siitiirtlriy evening the SODS (Ship's Operatic and Drtmititie Stn.'it:l_\‘) Uperu wliieli proved to he :1 huge success. despite (nr perliaps because of) the \'-ttrittble qtitility Ur the piirticiptiiits.

By Slll‘lL‘l'ti}‘ lunch-time the wlinle

thing was over.

“Everyone

is shattered but it's time to change hats and

become a civilian said Lt Parry.

again,"

"StmI'I I will be lietidiiig ntTla:iel: home and then to the nliiee for the l1t\1'I‘n:1l .\lund:i_\' niurning ruutine.

“Snrnetimes it's just (1 hit surreal ‘goon! weekeiid wlittt did you get up tn?‘ iiiust ctilleagues ask as ptirt of the post iveekencl return to wurl-: ritual. ‘“l"'leu- in in helicopter. hung out in the middle of the Channel (litCl".lll_\'), put out -.1 few lites and -

huhhed around

on a

20.00U—tmine

\VL1l'Sl'|lp _\'uu?‘ “.\-lost colleagues tlun't hotlier tiskiiig 1ll1}‘Il10TC. I wntider \i'l1_\'?"

(Itlr l):ivid l\'tt_\'. .\’l:11'i[iI‘t1L‘

Reserves Stiift‘ Officer for the SmithW st. said: “This \\‘:15 :1 must stiecessllil trtiiniiig event for the Smith \‘s'-'est's .\lnritime Reserves. and liuge1_\' eiiju~_cable."

Ctlre Miller 11LlLlCLli “l\'ntliing beats training ii-.1\'a| personnel titlu-.11. no iii-utter if they are regular 01" reserve.

“R17

Fort Atistiii,

:i.s

the RFA w:is the

‘l'l;ig.sliip' training ship. idetil plzitfnrtii for my requirements with the ship perl‘ui'ming superbly.

“The and pi'ul'ession:i1 entlitisitisiic ptirtieiptttinti of her '.sl‘iip"s CU!I‘i[\:I!1_\' in Llll the \i'eekend‘e.-

;lL‘[i\‘ltiL‘N has made this the success it has been “:\iitl HMS Clllllbcrlillltl.despite the riguurs of OST. prn\'ided ti fantastic rzitige i\i‘sei'\'iCes tun. “'I'his has been the best reginntil training exercise since the days of .\-‘lC.\‘l I0 l't1LIs[t:I'il'ig uti Gibr;iltz1r.“ A

at

sea

2-‘l

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008

,1

0 (left) A trials gunboat variant of the Offshore Raiding Craft is put th paces at RM Instow; (above) the Beast turns back the Devonshire wave driving through the dip tank in an adapted Land-Rover

Happy landings

ROYAL MARINES lnstow is a unique location. Everyone says so.

Everyone down there will tell

you it is because of the seven distinct and distinctive types of beach, terrain and water around

here.

But it’s also unique because of the distinct and distinctive types of work done down here.

Part research centre, part training base, part trials unit;

Royal Marine,

part civil servant, and a little bit RN; part land vehicles, part boats; part it’s amphibious bit-of-both almost impossible to label RM Instow, writes Helm Craven.

But all these separate cogs are an essential part of the Royal Marines’ war—machine. Take an_v one of them away, and somewhere on a distant shore you risk the Marines grinding to a halt.

Major John Lugg. the man in

part

—-

charge

Instow, states it simply: don’t get it right here,

at

“If we those big ships couldn't get the landing force ashore. The UK‘s amphibious excellence starts here.”

There may be some people in the Navy who dispute that. But it is a simple fact.

Amphibious ships exist to deliver the punch of the Royal Marines to the shore.

There are two ways that can

happen, by

air with the skills of the Commando Helicopter Force if bulk and weight and timescales aren’t prohibitive.

Or by sea.

And at some point those big ships hand over their charges to those small boats that cross the shallow waters from sea to shore. nd 11 Amphibious Trials and Training at Instow, part )f 1 Assault Group RM, is focused on all the means and methods that make that journey from ship to shore and beyond the beach possible. “if it has to cross the beach," explained Maj Lugg, “we have to know it can survive a depth of 1.5m of water.”

It means that llA'I'l’ have to make sure that the right kit exists to make that journey at the best speed with the least risk.

It means that IIATT have to make sure that the vehicles, trucks, heavy plant that come ashore for a landing can make that shallow crossing from boat to beach. And ask anyone seawater is the enemy of engines.

It IIATT that means have to make sure that any Marine driving those vehicles knows how to waterproof the engine and kit, drive from the steep ramp of a shifting landing craft headlong into waves at depths of up to man height in —

-

the pitch-black of night.

And so to my first bit of firstperson experience...

The Land-Rover tips slightly and water starts flooding in around my ankles. In seconds it’s up to my chest and the windscreen is nothing but a wall of murky green

water.

This is the third time I’ve been through this, but this time I’m the one in the driving seat.

A driving seat from which the water is trying to lift me; the same pressure of water is depriving me of the familiar feel of the accelerator pedal.

“Put your foot down,” says the marine next to me cheerfully. So I do, as the specially-adapted LandRovcr surges back up the steep slope and onto dry land again.

“Now imagine doing that from

moving landing craft, against surging waves, in the dark.”

At Royal Marines Instow the dip tank is an early visit in driver a

training. Over the course of my one-day visit, I'll return to the dip tank in bigger and bigger vehicles.

The BRV (or Beast as it’s commonly called by Marines) is a particularly striking transit, its Leopard-tank base rears about the slope before the Beast pivots down to land with a satisfying thud upon its tracks.

It was dramatic enough on the inside of the cab, I've no notion what it looked like to an outsider.

Although the men and women who work at Instow are no longer easily impressed by such feats;

day in, day out, LandRovers, Vikings, Pinzgaucrs, MAN trucks, Beasts, prototypes, trial vehicles, demonstrators, WW2 DUl(Ws roar into and out of the dip tank on their way to acceptance, trials,

training or the various other tasks

that are undertaken in this North Devon camp.

Its out~of—the-way location misleads into an out-of-the—way perception. This is no sleepy hollow, no backwater of dozing

dotage.

The vast BRV is under the careful guardianship of Vehicle Mechanic Steve Bailey. Its function is inherent in its full name beach recovery vehicle, using its hefty weight and impressive strength —

pull or push vehicles, landing craft, even tanks to shore or back to

out to sea.

At Instow it is used for training the green beret Vehicle Mechanics; and to train the landing craft drivers; and to recover brokendown vehicles; oh and there‘: only a handful of them in service, and the only people

who know how to look after them, how to machine the necessary parts, how to drive them are all in Instow. They’re also the ones who checked out the BRV before it was allowed into service. “l’vc got a certain amount of pride in these," admitted Steve, trying to avert his eyes from the distractions of sea water dripping inside his pristine charge.

He should have pride in the BRV. This man knows everything there is to know about the Beast.

Although he might not have built it in the first place, the manufacturers who did are now out of business so if any of the four Beasts needs fixing,tweaking or replacement parts, Instow is where the expertise lies.

“The old Centurion BARV was considerably lighter, with the driver ultimately underwater relying on the commander to guide him. It was a bit of a crew —

nightmare.

Centurion

“The

was

a

demanding bit of kit. But with this the crew comfort is fantastic, and the reliabilityis very good.” he sandy beach at Instow, from a holidaymaker’s eye, looks rather lovely (particularly if you like watching men in green berets).But for landing craft men it offers the worst case

landing

-—

1:120.

scenario for a beach a long shallow rise of

Nearby there are steep shelving beaches, pebble shores, mud flats

and riverine crossings, open sea with heavy surf, dunc~strewn training areas, and sheltered coastlines that can be used in almost any conditions.

There's nowhere else like this in the UK offering all these training, trialling and experimenting challenges on the doorstep.

Out at sea craft and vessels are also being put through their paces by the combination of marines,

engineers

and

specialists

that

are

housed within Instow’s fence.

An Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC) bristling with guns is being thrown about in the sheltered this is a possible new waters configuration for the ORC that's worth is being judged by the men of Instow. (“Being bootnecks we wanted guns on it,” I'm told —

succinctly.)

This is a gunboat variant with the driver’s console moved

amidships,

and a heavy cladding of armour around its hull.

To me, it looks impressive. But

for the Marines on board, there are real tactical issues that have to be resolved.

“The expertise here is second

(top left) A MAN military truck's abilityto cope with salt water is tested at Instow from an LCU; the Beast (or BRV) pulls an LCVP

0

ashore

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008

h its flight)

rou

as:

to none,

the

team are

renowned

for their abilities,” said Maj Lugg.

“These guys look at a piece of equipment and if it doesn’t come up to scratch, they will say so.”

Is it actually going to be fast enough with all that weight of armour? What’s the visibility like for the boat driver? Do the gunners have the line of sight they need? Is their footing secure on the tilting, slithery deck?

Because this thing can just stop.

Throw the lever and the buckets that propel the thing forward through wateriets are thrown into reverse. And it smashes to a crashstop in the length of the boat.

And a handbrake turn at is something impressive behold. And slightly alarming

sea

experience.

—

military

he

wing

and three

to

to

defence, Qinetiq, DSTL, Abbey Wood, and to big business beyond “I don't care who makes it, so long as it works and the Ministry can afford it,”

from

across

—

states David. “I see our strength HQ support the as being this tnix of technical delivery wings, individually knowledge and operational for craft and

responsible

training,

vehicles. But individual doesn't really factor into life at Insto\v, because almost every serial is made up of a mix of the base’s

wings.

Getting a driver to take his water-proofed Land—Rover off a landing craft and to the shore calls

training wing, and craft wing, and vehicle wing, and military wing, and HQ to make sure all the different moving parts are

on

—

In November 2006 a rigid raider came under attack in Iraq, with members of the patrol killed and injured. The call came back to lnstow to find a solution now.

From early starts to midnight finishes, and even overnight, the marines, the engineers, the craftsmen of lnstow toiled together to stop this happening again.

Six weeks later another raider 71 blast came under attack fragments slammed into the boat.

And no one was injured.

Thanks to the armour cladding developed through the long hours, the hard work, and the technical know-how of the men and women at lnstow.

Sgt Maj ‘Spud’ Bartlett was in that first boat. Now he’s one of the 14 Royal Marines at IIATT who are bringing their frontline experience to bear on the men, boats and vehicles that pass through lnstow.

Their operational know-how is balanced by the corporate knowledge of the 47 civilians who research, design, drive, build and maintain the vehicles at the site.

Pete Moore of the Craft wing said: “The armouring of the raiders was an urgent, out-of-theblue job. But that’s what we’re here for. It's one of the more rewarding ones we get to see the effect of our work very quickly.

There’s instant feedback.”

It’s a point echoed by many of the civilians working at the base.

“One of the pleasures of this job is that we’re very close to the end user," said Syd Kyte.

Syd’s particular area of expertise lies with the massive Case tractors that lay the trackway along the beach,the coiled carpets of linked metal that permit less hefty vehicles the grip to cross the sand, shale, pebbles or mud of the shoreline.

After hearing comments from the Marines who had come to lnstow about the difficulties of hauling in the metal track, Syd —

and his team engineered a bit of kit to make their lives easier. It meets with firm approval among the Marines using it.

available at the same time.

But then, amphibious warfare is all about getting all the moving parts to the right places at the right time.

To that end, early next year lnstow is expecting the arrival

of the trials demonstrator of the future Fast Landing Craft.

A full-size Pacscat (partially aircushioned supported catamaran) is being built currently in Southampton, and the finished

(part

conventional LCU, part catamaran, part hovercraft) craft

will be sent down to lnstow put through its paces.

to

be

David Graham, a former Royal Marine who heads up the Craft Wing, explained: “What we're looking at here is something that hasn’t been done before.

“The doctrine these days is to

launch

the horizon for protection and tactical surprise."

The aim is to find a landing craft that can deliver a main battletank ashore at 25 knots, and get off the beach again at speed.

“So we‘re build-

ing

over

—

technology

a

demonstrator for Pacscat. Because

don’t actually know that it’s going

we

work. The says it will."

theory

to

He

spend

adds: most

finding

time our c 0 tn m e r c solutions to some

i

a

‘——

l

'

military

problems."

He

“W2: of

admits to fundamental

difierences between “While the two —-

they spend their time trying not to

aground, that's exactly what we run

have to

to

do. We have

run

aground,

but in a controlled manner.” lnstow stands outside of industry, pulling in knowledge

_

-

..

-

experience

—

nobody."

and we're tied

to

just the big bits of kit like landing craft being watched But it’s

over

not

here. The team at lnstow

have recently brought into service a handheld electronic navigation

system, small enough and sturdy enough to be of practical use to Marines in small raiding craft.

And from the depths of a goldmine in South Africa, 1 lA'IT plucked a piece of hydrography technology that they adapted into a beach profiler in Norway earlier this year it proved itself, producing a swift detailed readout of the shallows that are essential for beach reconnaissance.

—

I

t doesn't take long at lnstow to realise how this small corner of Devon is watching the world and continually bringing lessons back to improve the lives of the Royal Marines.

How an organisation that cherishes vintage World War 2 DUKWs as the best craft to support its training is bringing in cutting-edge technology to sharpen the war machine.

How this tiny, motley crew of civil servants and Marines are mapping out a future for amphibious warfare.

How much fun they are all

having.

What the hell, how much fun I’m having, as I clamber up into a MAN truck for my fourth ‘dip’ of the day...

’33:;r"

-

I

0 (Top right) The Beast leaves the dip tank after rinsing off the lnstow sea-wafer,‘ a Land-Rover loses its unwanted cargo of water after a quick dip; and the Case with its spool of trackwayworks on the shallow lnstow shore

Pictures:

Greg Barrott, 11 ATT Sqn

25

30

Service_I-etlects Banner

N.-\\'Y l\‘Ii\V'S. ()(I'I‘()B1-llvl 2008‘

on

operation

St I’-.tul'.~; Czttltctlrul lias been 11 COI‘t‘tI‘t1t2I‘l10t‘tttL‘the wnrk Zlllkl satcrilices of more than ‘3U0,l_)t)l_) members of the Ariited For" who served in .\Iorthern A §l5RVI

Ircl.tnd.

Some 2.000 veterans nt" ()per-mun Banner were inined by the Prince of \‘\":tle\. the l)tt<:lt<:3~.\. ut‘ (fnrnwttll. Prime .\'lini.\ter (‘mrtlun Brown and B11 ne~a.\ lhtitcher in :1 ceremony \\'l\iCl‘i reflected el and on the efllirtx of" Service perm: <.'iei1 \'L‘l'\.':Il1t.~. tn brim: peace In the l’rm'inee over 35 5, ntun_\' i.i1‘\\'h:.nn paid with their in Bttglers of the Royal .\'l-1rine.~; Band. l’nt‘t~tnutith. \t)tll'lLl£.‘Ll the l.;ist Pu-»t when the eut1§_'.reg:1ttn|i remembered the T63 ser men llllkl women who on l3‘llll]L‘1' with utiillirmed *

-

the

Prince (. mrles wore lull ceremonial unititrm. his own FL iment. The I{u_\':tl Regintent of \\"-.1les. \\’:t.\ the lir.\l unit deplnved tn the streets uf \'nrthern lti.l.1nd at the start of Operation Banner in l()l'i*).

I)r Rieltztrti :trtre.\. the Bialmp of I_n11duti gave 1 \L‘Tl'l1l_tt'l during the nU1li\‘L'l'll‘C ‘hnli ‘

'

ding. in}; the

'

A memorial name til‘ the «trier tinn.

1*-elivre heing.: lit

ms

.\lurelun-ti. u

0 Veterans of

Operation

Banner in Sf Paui's Cathedral London

are

joined by

VIPS at

a

service of commemoration at Picture: Harland Ouarringlon (MOD)

Years Naval

Full colour photographs of jets, helicopters and action shots including ships are featured in this year's calendar accompanied by some interesting facts and figures.

To order simply phone: 01159 399797 Or write to: 2009 Navy News Calendar Offer 3 Church View, Canalside, llkeston Road, Sandiacre, Nottingham NG10 SEA

Buy online at Cheques payable to ‘Navy News’ to accompany orders. For orders outside the UK. payment can be made by Chequellnternational Money Order in 12 Sterling and drawn on a UK Bank.

rL'.\t1l’[ of

The candle _n1huli<ed all member at" the l-‘tu'ces.- who were killed in the 'I‘ruuhles. liullnwitig the ser\'iCL‘ T00 \'eter;In\. murelted t1truui_.:lt llte e _\' tn the London (3 ildh'.ill.'l‘hel’rinL‘e nl'\V".1le\ took the salute.

Defence Seerel;n'_\' l)<:\ liruwtte.

Aviation of 100 is the theme of the 2009 Navy News Calendar.

-

blessed

who also attended the L‘.L‘1'Cl'l'tuI1_\'.\;' i‘ “'Ihtl;t_\' we p-.1_\' tribute to the hundr is of Il'li_1tl.\:lt1Ll\' of Servicemen ntui women with .~aer\‘etl on this nperntimi and to the en l mu»; en tl‘ll'\LlIlt'It‘t that they made rm rd» :1 l:istitt5.: peace in Nut‘lhei'n Ireltlnd. “'l'he_\' \L'TVL'Ll with the eh-.tr-.1eteriatie xeltl "as tletertttitttttimi. and pmll‘ ionatlism that typ our .-\rn1ed [Raf "In ptirtieultir l.U'\li.l:\' we remember. with humility. gr-ntitttde and res weet. tltme who lost their lives on Upermiim Banner. “'I‘he n-.1tiun‘.\ debt to them and to the loved i'Vl\t.'\ who .\L1l‘\'i\'L‘ them is In‘ltT|t::l\L "1 le. Their s;tet'itice ntust never be Iiirf-_1utteit." lietwceti ll.lh0 Lind 2007. Tu} .s-ervieemen ztnti wunten were led us ll tlit'ectre.~atilt-.:1'terr ’in.it1i.‘1ttLlit1gl)5l .~\rmy and Rt.1‘_\':il Marines personnel '

'

THE Sun newspaper has teamed up with the Ministry of Defence to celebrate excellence in the Armed Forces.

Nominations for the inaugural Sun Military Awards aka the Millies —

-

in

closed at the end of last month

categories which included Best

Recruit, Life Saver Award. True Grit

and group), Best Armed Forces Animal and Most Outstanding Sailor or Royal Marine.

Most of the awards are open to

(individual

public nomination. though

panel will determine who wins the Judges‘ Award for Special Recognition. a

The awards are the brainchild of the Prince of Wales. who sees them as a chance for the public to

llI‘l'\l one RN Ser\'ieetn:1n.

A further (1.110 mentbers ml‘ the were wuuntietl. in the e;trl_\' 10705 )0

milittiry

personnel lone in\'m'the tlreland. l\'.I.\cs iii‘ ltlL"'.lliUI).\. in lllh milit The in on .-\tt_;ti~t l in. then Northern security

\-

rnutine mil

led.

But the ripe ttiun nllie l]_\' ended on ed _lL1l_\‘ 31 2lit'Tl7. when it w b).'()per inn lielvetie -1 3.('lllll mIltl.1l_ 't'.\unt’u.‘1 in It‘tUt‘c tli ten ltlttlltnlls.

The titltlles ml" the LTK personnel wlin lost their lives tluring Open Banner are 1' ‘led an the Arttted l-‘nrces .\‘letnuri-.11. Stttlilivrtisltire.

llll‘ §|I‘allS recognise

of the work and achievements of the Forces and MOD. Sun Defence Editor Tom Newton Dunn said of the awards: "With so many facing danger away from some

their families in Iraq or Afghanistan, seldom has the need been greater to give them the recognition they deserve. it

"Like us, Prince Charles believes is time to

celebrate British

troops‘ extraordinary character,

selflessness and dedication as a heartfelt token of our gratitude to them.

“The 12 award categories have been carefully chosen to represent every field of military endeavour."

—

NAVY I\'I;'\V2-’S, OCTOBER 2008

a¥% I CAN you do better? HMS Sultan is claiming a record with 70 Naval personnel signing up in one day to the Sports.

Amenities and Benevolence Scheme (SABS). the payroll giving scheme which provides funds to RN and RM charities.

The impressive haul of 70 people was netted by a team of seven earnest champions of SABS. led by Lt Cdr Tim Finch. during a families day at the base, means over £3,600 to swell the charity coffers.

Meeting

Christine set to work to organise free tickets to Meet your I\'avy for the whole family, and find overnight accommodation at the Langstone Hotel in Hayling Island for the Hertfordshire—based

family.

Max’s day with the Navy included witnessing a VIP rescue by the Close Protection Team of 40 Commando and a tour of the aircraft Carrier HMS Illustrious, where he spent some time in the

cockpit

of a Merlin helicopter from 824 Naval Air Squadron.

Christine said: “I felt that the Navy could help. Ifl had to go and beg a few favours, I was determined to do it.

“I'm more than happy to put a smile on to a small chap's face."

I CHEERS to the buccaneers the Fleet Air Arm Buccaneer Association are celebrating next year's centenary with a rather special drop of malt.

There are two limited editions

This wasn’t Max’s first

being produced, Speyside single malt aged 25 years and aged 50 years with profits from the sales going to the Fly Navy Heritage Trust, Naval charities

ence

and a memorial to all ranks at the National Arboretum.

Find out more at the association’s website www. faaba.co.uk.

I MOTORSPORT fans at the

King helicopter.

Royal Navy Sea

On the track was Lt Cdr Martin Lanni, and in the air Lt James

Bullock and P0 Dav.

three

Craig,

of the

Navy

as

experi-

assault

ship

HMS Albion welcomed him as :1 special guest during a visit to the Thames earlier this year.

Christine added: “It went very well. The whole family was here for the whole day. They really did

—

a

CANCER sufferer Max Hubbuck enjoyed a full day at Meet your Navy in Portsmouth Naval Base, courtesy of the hard work of Christine Harper, a researcher at the RN Historical Branch.

Max. who is aged just 12, has

Historical Branch.

—

and

Max Christine heard about Max from his father Alex who was installing new equipment at the

—

motorcar

A FORCE FOR GOO

just finished chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital since being diagnosed with Hodgkin‘s Lymphoma in Nlarch 2007.

I DUNCAN Gell from Clyde Naval Base climbed upon his bike to pedal 325 miles front Dumbarton to Derby, finishing the journey in 20 hours 30 minutes, and pulling in a total of £700 for Glasgow Royal Infirmar_v's Burns Unit.

And all this pedalling began at the end of a full da_v of work as :1 Rolls Royce engineer at the Scottislt base.

Duncan said: “I had rain, thunder, lightning, wind everything the British weather could throw at me. I had originally hoped to complete the distance in 18 hours, but given the conditions I’m not too disappointed.

“Especially as I got a bit lost in the rush hour in Manchester with roadworks and traffic lights."

British Super Bike Championships in Fife got to see a race between a

me

proud.

“The hotel

helped

so

much

by

providing accommodation, which I’m sure made all the difference becauseit meant it was a break for 0 Max Hubbuck watched an action-packed VIP protection display from the Royal Marines of 40 Commando during Meet your Navy in Picture: LA(Photl Sin-imo Simpson Portsmouth Na./a] Base

all the family.

“It was really nice

to set

it up

for i\Iax and his sisters Alexandra

and

Georgia too."

Skytower

MUSICIAI\"I'oni Griffin from the RM Band Service took advantage

of a

long trip overseas on Exercise

Long Look to carry out a long drop from the Auckland Skytower.

Tom spent five months in New Zcaland on the military exchange

all

men

Petersburg.

Sick Children in

the Number 1

Petersburg

raising money Hospital for

Glasgow and

Hospital

in St

of the

behind their

for

charity.

nR%

Pvlerlins

:1

ing up

a

remembrance garden that

had been

making

damaged by vandals,

safe

an

aged

roundabout

in the playgrtiund, and restoring the felt roof of a garden shed that was used to store the children’s toys.

Lt Nick Bates of82-I NAS said: “This was a hugely well—reccived and worthwhile project that provided nccessary help to the local

The Portmouth branch of the charity has been the focus

coninttinity.

Excellent

this year.

I FALLING off Everest is never advisable.

But fomier Naval man Peter Baker is about to leap from an aircraft 29.500ft in the sky in front of Everest. raising money for charity Global Angels, which supports children's projects in the Himalayanregion.

If you would like to pledge your support to the former Leading Air Mechanic, who left the service in 1973. visit httpzll www.mycharitypa e.com/ PeterBakerEverest kydive.

Peter has paid for the jump himself, all donations will go to

high-tech

spot of manual labour i\'ancealvcrne School in at Cornwall.

The airmen set to work spruc-

£6,000 from Hi‘.-‘IS Excellent. at

Royal Navy.

Cu|drose—based 82-I NAS left

I FRATTON Live at Home, the charity which supports elderly people who want to live at home. has benefitted from a donation of

fundraising events

Tom jumped the 192m to raise funds for Starship Children's Hospital in central Auckland.

His plunge from the sky was serenaded by fellow members of the Navy Band who played melodies to inspire and support.

Tom now has his feet firmly back on the ground and back in the UK.

THERE’S been a general taking —up of spades and Clearing of weeds by both airmen and sailors

I THE MEN and women of Liverpool University Royal Naval Unit [URNU) mustered 21,000 as a donation to the NSPCC. The Liverpool unit has been a longstanding supporter of local charities, and this donation will help fund the new Hargreaves Centre in Liverpool, which provides therapeutic services to children and familiesaffected by domestic violence or substance abuse.

of

joining the Royal New Zealand Navy Band, programme,

Naval force turns into ground force

wending l0,000km eastwards in a six—da_\' drive between Glasgow The men are for the Royal

Picture: NZDF Official

Long drop on Long Look

from the Search and Rescue unit at HMS Gannet in Prestwick; and all three men about to glamber into the car before

and St

27

“The school expressed their great gratitude, and the maintenance team enjoyed several days

squadron routine to do new things and meet new people." out

5* V’

‘

V .

picture

IMAGES of the battlegrounds of Afghanistan have become the source of fundraising for military charities.

PO Sean Clee, the Royal Navy's photographer of the year for the second year running, set up an exhibition of his photographs of the Royal Marines in Afghanistan at F'lymouth‘sMasa Fine Art Gallery.

Several artists, including Steve Sllmm, Graham Fish. Tony Common, David Gray,

of wealth

David Wheeler and Celia Duncan. took Sean's photographs as inspiration for 45 paintings that accompanied the exhibition.

The auctions of the paintings and prints has raised over £10,000 for military charity Help for Heroes.

Sean said: “The exhibition has been fantastic really good. We raised £8,500 on the first night.

"I chose Help for Heroes because they —

military charity. It's close to the artwork that came from my time serving in are a

Afghanistan.

"I know a few of the lads who were injured out there. so I chose a charity that would help them.”

The exhibition will also have a special one-off display at Draper's Hall in London as part of a TrafalgarNight Dinner. raising more money for Seafarers UK.

of their

i\-Ieanwhile up in Sutherland, local lass Lt Lorna Cooper led her own ground—forcc team from I-IMS Sutherland to brighten up a

popular public footpath.

Lorna. who is from the village of Lairg, said: “\‘li’e on Sutherland are extremel_\‘ proud of the links we

have with the county.

“Having been in refit, we

really looking forward

to

were

getting

away and giving something back to the local community.

The

Deputy Logistics

Officer added: “And since I grew up nearby, I used my local knowledge to ensure the lads working on the project fully appreciated all that Sutherland has to offer."

28

NAVY .\'F.\\'i"S, 0(‘.TOBF.R 2008

PEOPLE

I t\'()'l"l‘lN(‘:HA.\-l Club spent the week

Rugby

at

Collingwond, Fareham, as their prL'-season training.

H.\-“IS part of

players spent their time using the variety of sports facilities The

at

the base for the second year

running.

Director

Delaney

of

Rugby

Glenn

said: “The facilities

at

Collingwood are excellent, the set

up is just what food's good!"

flea

0 Left to

I RN PILOT Nigel Pearce is hanging up his flying gloves after 41 years in the Service.

Nigel, who has amassed an

impressive 14,150 flying hours.

I

K /i§\.

-

.

right: Ian McGinn, Ray McGinn and Ben McGinn

Seeing triple

Picture: LA (Pool) McAImden

THE McGINN brothers Ian and Ray are used to bumping into each other in the Navy but now it looks like they could be seeing a third family member.

CPO Ian McGinn and brother PO Ray McGinn have both been in the Royal Navy for 18 years, and are both working at HMNB Clyde.

But it seems the two brothers may soon have another family member to contend with Ray's 14-year-old son Ben. a sea cadet with TS Astute.

Ben has his eyes set on the Senior Service, and after a visit to the naval base is detemtined to become a weapon engineer officer.

“I've really enjoyed the week. It was great to spend time with my dad and my uncle and see where they work and what they do," he said.

If Ben does achievehis dream of becoming an RN officer. the next time he comes across his dad and uncle. they may well be saluting him...

A change of scenery

O The

—

—

five Maasai warriors enjoying the sig

Tl-IEIR striking appearance has turned heads and even stopped rraffic, but it was the turn of five Maasai warriors to be amazed after a visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

The warriors in full tribal gear enjoyed a simulated flight in a Lynx helicopter, plus a visit onboard Concorde.

“The warriors were really excited at the opportunity to visit the museum, and seeing helicopters and fighter aircraft up close will be remembered by them for the rest of their lives," said Haymie. the warriors‘ UK guide.

By way of thanks, the live warriors later treated visitors to the museum with a five—minutc display of tribal dance and song.

Jon ]elTcrics from the l*‘A:\ i\'luscum said: "The warriors were truly fantastic. Just as they won’t forget us. we will certainly not forget them."

But it wasn‘t just the aircraft that proved alien to the visitors.

—

I CPO Tania Ashton-Jones at the completed replica of the hut

—

Coming

to terms

of the warriors,

with

Kashu,

pavements made of grass"

busy

life in the UK, one asked: “W-’h_\‘ aren’t the

For more information about the Walking with the Mkltlsul charity. you can check out the website at

www.waIkingwithmaasaiorg

I l\.-‘Il;‘A.\.'\X"HlLl.-I,Lad_v Nadine Cobham visited the Fleet Air Arm .\luseum late husband.

to

unveil

a

portrait

of her

The portrait ofSir Micltael will hang permanently in the foyer of Cobham Hall, which was named after

him in recognition of his long-running support for the building. i\-luseum director Graham Mottram said: “Sir Michael Cobliani was rt major figure within the ilt.‘[‘(lS].):ICL' industry for over 30 years and his contribution to the Fleet Air Arm Museum was enormous.“ For more information about the museum. visit

Great recreate White Spot stop off Never too Picture:

A CPO based at RAF Halton has taken part as the onc—\votnan RN

contingent in a project to build a replica of the famous ‘Great Escape‘ hut

in Poland.

The hut, which was built at the site of prison camp Stalag Luft III, is half the size of the original anti took two weeks to build.

CPO Tania Ashton—]oncs was the onl_v RN team metnber to take

part, with the rest of the group comprised of RAF and Army

persotmel.

Tania

said:

“I've

absolutely

Cpl Scott Flobertson

loved it, it has been a real privilege and honour to be part of the whole team both in terms of building the hut and the visits to the historical sites."

Former Stalag Luft Ill Prisoners ol‘\\'-'ar, Air Commodore (retired) Cltarles Clarke, president of the Ex-Po\‘(' Association and Andrew W-'isen1an were guests of honour at the opening of the hut.

Anyone interested in finding otit more or donating to the project can do so by visiting the website at

www.raf.mod.uk/project104.

l-‘ORTY members of the White

Spot Pipe Band paid a visit to Clyde ;\ia\'al Base. after coming all

the way from Canada.

The youth band from Vancouver were in Scotland to take part in the \‘C"orltl Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green, but stopped off at the naval base for a tour.

Duncan Bryden, a chef in the Senior Rates’ Mess, invited the group after discovering that his cousin Margaret Callender and

www.fIeetairann.com.

her son Alex, who is a member. would be coming along too.

“It was :1 great e:-tpericnce for the kids in the band to visit the base," said Duncan. “They were given a chance to experience the

young for nuclear

opportunity

SCHOOLCHILDREN front across the UK have been olTercd the chance to gain an insight into nuclear engineering.

Patltlinder bridge simulator and the base‘; weapons simulator, as

well

as an

boat.“ The White

on It

to

Spot Pipe

go

out

Band

reached sixth place in the Juvenile

Pipe Bands onships.

event at

the

Champi-

Fifty budding

young

engineers

invited to HMS Sultan in Gospurl where the Royal l\'av_v

were

—

T

trains its marine and nuclear engi-

St

John's

An

independent day & boarding school for boys 8: girls aged 2-18

HCCFS.

£5, is

1:

need. and the

we

At ademit ('\.'(‘L‘ll(‘I‘l(‘('

.8

1

“If

N

st-3

." CVK‘

I

Tel: 023 9281 5118 Visit our St

new

John's (fo|lt'gc_. (in

Fees for families claiming the scrvitjc hti.-irding .il|twv.1nct2 art‘ set

so

website

www.stjohnscol|ege.co.ult

Road South, Si:)ttllist:-a_. I

that for the current vent

larnpsltiitr POE .iQ\.'\.v"

part-ntal contribution is only £1 ,HI 9.

The Royal Navy and Babcock lnternational Group teamed up with educational charity The Smallpeice Trust to rtin the fourday residential course for 13 and 1-1-year-old students.

Through a series of practical workshops and lectures. the students learned about nuclear power, and were able to stay overnight in HMS Bristol. in Portsmouth Harbour.

The SmallpeiceTrust’s Gerntnrt Murphy said: “If we are to meet the future skills requirements, it‘s itnportant for us to give students an understanding of engineering in this sector.

“It‘s encouraging to see such 11 keen interest from students who are currently contemplating their careers."

The nuclear marine engineering course is run as part of an ongoing programme of residential courses to help yourlg people aged 13 to I8 to learn and develop skills in

engineering, design, technology and manufacturing.

leaves RNAS Yeovilton to take up a new role as a simulator instructor at Farnborough.

On completion of his final flight he was welcomed by members of Heron Flight, who presented him with a cake, and a welldeserved tot of Navy rum.

I LT CDR Bruce Russell has achieved [\\'0 of his greatest ambitions in the space of one year Not only has be taken over as the \‘l'F.O onboard HMS Ambush. but he ltas also graduated from the Open L'niversity with a PhD in History.

“Most of my colleagues ask me why I put tnyself through the

additional strain of

doctorate while also being in charge of the build programme ofa new nuclear submarine.

“Quite simply, I

niyscll‘

a

wanted

to set

personal challenge that

dillcrcnt to my naval career and achieve it before my -l(‘lth birthday,“explained Bruce.

was

I A NAVAL officer has chalked up 50 years of dedicated Naval service.

Lt Cdr John Frazer Murray has recently celebrated five decades of service in the RN and RNZN. Joining the RN in 1958, he served for 33 years before embarking on a career in the RNZN in 1991. encouraged by his participation in Exercise

Longlook.

Now. a further 17 years down the line, he continues to serve in the Supply Branch in Auckland.

I A CPO from I’l_vnistock has been awarded a commendation from his CO in recognition of support oflered to RN recruits.

CPO Phillip Carter received the commendation from Capt Jonathan \'\"oodcock. the C0 of HMS Raleigh, for his work at the Royal i\'avy Submarine School.

CPO Carter is responsible for mentoring the trainee submariners as they undergo their specialist

training.

The award further recognises CPO Carter's work in helping raise the profile of the Submarine Service.

I HMS VICTORY has found herself a new CO, after Lt Cdr John Scivier left to join Flag Officer Sea Training in Devonport as Senior Air Traffic Controller.

Taking over is Lt Cdr ‘Oscar’

Whild, previously Portsmouth

Naval Base‘s Ships Facilities Co~ordinator.

He said: “There are very few alive who have done this job so this really tops anything I have ever done. ‘‘I am glad to be joining before Trafalgar Day; the biggest day in the ship's diary and indeed a significant one in our history."

I THE STARGATE movie SGI: (.‘mnt'nm.rm, recently broadcast on Sky I, was dedicated to the memories of L().\l Paul .\lcCann and OM .-Xnthony l-luntrod, the two submariners killed in an accident on board l-l.\'lS Tireless in t\/larch 2007.

The sci-li series was filming it special TV movie in the Arctic with the American submarine USS Alexandria which was working with Tireless when the accident took place.

e

To find out more about the courses, you can visit thewebsite online at

www.smallpeicetrust.co.uk.

ti

...

l

bl

l-

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008

29

'-Bf."

Every dog (and cat) has its day

early l9h0s, and

number of other Naval

All

it

veterans.

watchkeepers must

success-

fully complete 12 weeks of training in subjects such as navigation,

tidal reaches and radio competence before qualification.

The NCI is a voluntary organisation that keeps a visual watch over UK shores with 49 stations manned by 1,700 watchkeepers.

The fully—trained volunteers man the stations during daylight

then my husband Michael suggested submarines and it seemed

5

‘:1 L 0 Graham Piggett, a former Naval CFO and one of the Coastwatch Institution watchkeepers at Fort Blockhouse

—

an

—

—

0 Pest

ontrol Officer John Blsh

john Belshaw and iVloD PC David Dutfton, who sped to the aid of the tiny creature.

“I have

seen

gulls take duck-

lings before, but never a kitten," said John.

The pair were later joined by

the RN’s Environmental Health Officer Surg Cdr Richard \‘(’ebber.

While the kitten dubbed Blackie was fortunate, her three siblings were later found missing from their litter.

“I'd put money on it being the same gull," John added.

After having her paws stitched, Blackie is expected to make a full recovery, and has even been offered a ne\v home by David, the PC who helped rescue her.

—

—

I

no -

hours, watching over craft with problems like engine failures, or

—

acres of

National

is based in the old SignalTower at Fort Blockhouse. if perhaps a spotol'sea(watching) time appeals to you, and you are aged between 18 and 80, contact Richard McMinn the station manager at Gosport NCl on 023 9258 8332 or richard_mcminn@ hotmail.com.

vulnerable small craft and canoeists.

They log vessels, weather and tide conditions all of which information is passed on to the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

The Gosport branch of the NCI

stunning Suffolk countryside, the Royal Hospital School is a full boarding and day school offering exceptional academic and extra—curricular provision for girls and boys aged 11-18 years.

Set in 200

really good idea rather lit-

Naval Base revealed their animalloving side when they launched a rescue operation to save the life of a tiny kitten.

The five-week-old feline was spotted in the clutches of a savage lesser black-beaked gull, which had taken her from her litter at the base.

The onlookers watched as she was then dropped onto a barrier of razor wire at the south end of the base.

Quick to react, the sailors called for the help of Pest Control Officer

the

ingly, the oldest trainee in the NCI, where he has joined a

Opportune, Orpheus, Onyx, Onslaught, Odin, Oberon, Ursula, Spartan, Swiftsure and Vigilant running around our back garden causing absolute mayhem," said Evelyn.

“We toyed with the idea ofnam— ing them after Egyptian gods, but

great.“ I EI.SE\‘l/HERE, sailors at Clyde

of the Sea.

is certainly a nostalgia trip to work in Fort Blockhouse again."

Ernie was, perhaps unsurpris-

Labrador puppies, two of which will become explosives detection dogs for the MoD Police.

The potential new recruits are still at home with their owners, PC Evelyn Hardy and her husband Nlichael, an ex-submariner who now works offshore.

The energetic pups are all named after RN submarines, but still haven't quite mastered the art of stealth. “\We have now Superb,

ex-submariner."

Two of the puppies the aptly named Swiftsurc and Vigilant are heading for specialist training in order to take their place as explosives detection dogs.

They will be trained at the Force‘s dog training centre at Wethersfield in Essex. “it is quite likely that the dogs may then find a permanent work home at the RN Armaments Depot at Coulport, which is nice for me to think of, as t.hat's where l was a dog—handler from l98'3— 92," commented Evelyn.

“It's a job I really loved and quite miss, so to think that two of our pups will be over there is

the coast

on

AGED 78 many people would be winding down, but not Ernie Smith.

He is the newest qualified Professional Watchkeeper with the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) in Gosport.

The lormer Master at Arms spent 27 years in the Royal Navy, and is well known as the author of the excellent HMS Belfast Men

Dolphin in

moment to serve...

No, not the submarines, but a litter of ll inquisitive, black

ting as he’s

.

He said: “I had served in HMS

SLEEK and dark. they wait near the Fife coast for their

like a

An eye

PEOPLE -

The

Royal H0School pital

V

aw

with the injured kitten Blackie Picture: LA(Phot) Gary Geordie‘ Weathers

Not on the

scrapheap SOME ofyou

might rememberthe

Navy’s Seraplieap Clzalleirgc team who came so close to grabbing the grand title a few years back.

W/ell, undaunted CPO ‘]]’ Swift of Southern Diving Unit 1 and Lt Cdr Jim Ellis of FOST are returning to the fray, with new teammate CPO Dickie Bird of SFM Defiance.

This time there's a new approach to the next series of the Channel 4 show, with a field of over 50 teams contending for the top title in events taking place around the country.

But J] is quietly confident: “l‘m hoping we're going to do well. But it's a pretty good challenge.”

The new series is expected to be

Supporting its established national reputation for musical excellence, the School has a new E3.Sm state—of—the—art music school due for completion in October 2008. Every pupil also has the opportunity to enjoy the outstanding sports facilities,including RYA sailing tuition, and to pursue a huge range of interests and activities.

At 9.30am

Saturday 15th November For further information, visit

our

website

www.roya|hospitalschoo|.org Or contact Admissions on 01473 326210, or email admissions@royalhospitalschool.org

Discounts for families eligible for MOD Continuity of Education Allowance

The Royal

Acadeniic. Art. Music. Sailing and Sports

Hospital School, Holbrook

Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 ZRX

Scholarships and Seafarers llursaries

broadcast in the New Year.

THE

DUKE OF YORK’S ROYAL MILITARY SCHOL

O The newlypromoted sailors with their superiors

Making history

FORTY-Two Engineering Technicians at the Maritime \Varl'are School (MWS) headed out on summer leave after making

history.

Each one of the sailors has been

promoted,

in the largest known requestman, and the first of the ET(\V"E) Branch.

A total of 19 LETs were

promoted to APO, while five E'l's were promoted to LET and 18 I£Ts were promoted to Acting LET. Cdre Steve Kirkby, C0 of

HMS Collingwood, presented the sailors with their certificates.

He told them: “Never before have we done this number in my memory and 1 do believe it is unlikely to be done again.

“There might be lots of you but each and every one of you has fully earned your promotion.”

The sailors were all promoted while still on Course, rather than on completion, which makes the achievement even more

impressive.

/' Q‘

‘More than a

school to me’

For further information contact:The Headmaster, The Duke of York's Royal Military School, Dover, Kent, CTl 5 SEQ. Tc-|:+OO44 (0)1304 245024 Mil: 94284 5024 Fax:+OO44 (0)1304 245019 Mil Fax: 94284 5019

E-mail: headmaste

cl0yrms_com Website: wwwcloyrms.mod

.

uk

30

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008

,3 V.‘

COMMENT

(4 5-‘

Memories of Exeter

falgar tribute THE (r‘R()VI;'Retierv ol'Fhe Life of Admiral I.ord Collingwood (September) reminds me that we still have an empty plinth in Trafalgar Square and one man is missing, although he lies in state alongside Admiral Nelson in St Paul's.

It is, of course, Collingwood, who was not even able to attend ?\‘elson’s funeral becausehe was at sea and did not return to England for the next five years.

Collingwood‘s ship, the Royal Sovereign, engaged the enemy 53 minutes before the some

Victory.

Although

one

and

outnumbered live

more or

less surround-

ed, Royal Sovereign's firing was so

reduced

to

fast that the

ships

rate

ship quickly

waterline burning hulks and killed within minutes several hundred crew and officers.

I had a relative on board the Colossus, which was fifth in line behind the Royal Sovereign, and inside his letler—box was a portrayal of a scene in battle (S/ltYZL‘)l trbozw) as seen from the Colossus, which in the box is spelt (ffoltvffm in the old manner of writing ‘s’.

Collingwood is repeating Nelsons last signal to him (when his ship was hard at it and Victory was still to join the battle) ‘Engage the enemy closely.’ Collingsvood had, upon seeing the signal, hoisted two blackballs to his friend and two

to

then

quickly

hauled them down

he hoisted the repeat of white field blue cross flag, superior to, hori'/.ontal stripes blue, white and red llag.

You may notice that all the British ships had white stripes and bands so as to be seen through the smoke even on the rudder posts.

Gerald Morris ...O.\l Sunday October 19, as

the “White Ensign will Hy Exeter Cathedral during

over

the celebrate Lord

annual service to Nelson’s great victory

at

203 years ago.

b_v

Trafalgar

The lirst lesson will be read Admiral Sir Mark

Stanhope,

Cormnander-in-Chief Fleet, and the second by Cdr Paul Brown, C0 of I-Il\-‘IS Exeter.

Music will be provided by the Band of HM Royal Marines from the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone and before the service the ship‘s company of HMS Exeter will be exercising their Freedom of the City by marching through the city's streets to the cathedral. They will be joined by over 75 Sea Cadets from all over Devon and some CCF units from the county’s schools.

Everybody is welcome to come to the service, which starts at l 130, or ring Inc for more details

on

01803 215959.

—

Cdr

Flory Jackson. 'l‘orqua_v

pairings

Polar

IN HIS letter I’u!ar Heroes (September) Michael 0’Brien remarks

The other pair of bronze medals were to a father and son,

thought to be unique in that both

who served in Scott’s Terra Nova in 1003-04 as Carpenter and (larpenter‘s Mate respectively.

To add to the familial scene, there have also been unclefnephew awards, as well as two husband/'

that Kevin Walton's

family

is

he and his son have been awarded the Polar Medal.

Although it is true that his son ]onathan’s medal (for 1980) is the most recent such award (his father’s being for 1946-47), there have been three other fatherfson awards.

The Australian, George Dovers, received the medal for his work as a cartographer during the Australian Antarctic Expedition in 1912-14. whilst his son Robert received his medal, with two clasps, for his part in a French expedition in 1952 and for another Australian expedition in 1954-55. Both these, like the \\"a|tons’,are silver medals, There were also two sets of bronze medal awards I_.t \‘C*'illiam Colbeck RNR commanded the relief ship Morning for Scott’s first expedition in I902-04, whilst his son \‘C-"illiam R Colbeck, also a lieutenant RNR, was Navigating Officer of Discovery during research expeditions ol"fAnt-arctica in l929—3l_ -—

MS ictory

—

both named Alexander

Smith,

wife awards Nlr \‘.'r'alter Harland (1977) and Mrs ElizabethHarland (1992) and Mr MichaelThomson (196-I-65 and 1986) and Nlrs Janet Thomson (1999)

—

is not for sale I HAVE been appalled at the way the present

Government has run the Navy down over many years; they don’t appear to consider

past history. Now they are considering sell-

ing HMS Victory.

It not onl_\' would be a tragedy but a kick in the face to 200 years of gallant sailors.

They (the MOD) can’t be serious; but yes this crass Government would consider such an act, However what should be considered is the naval heritage and not only the sailors who served our country over the past 200 years but more recently during the Falklands \‘Ct’ar and in Afghanistan now; it would be more elemoralising than the recent rundown of the Naval fleet.

I pray the whole country will be up in arms over this issue; but I won’t hold my breath as many do not understand the issues or the sacrifices that Navy personnel have and are making in their defence. And sotne people appear anti—Forces when in fact they are anti the present conflicts, It is an appalling prospect if the country's flagship was lost to the Royal Navy.

Michael Chivers, Southsca, Hunts ...\‘t'/'HA'I' the hell is going on with HMS Victory? The ship is a status symbol to us ex—servicemen who have —

served and

enjoyed the pleasure of serving with the

Royal ;\'-aw.

Is there anything we

and serving personnel can do to stop this stupidity? I and many more people have not much to look fonvard to in life.

There must be many more out there who need to know the truth about what is happening to these art».-facts the country has still got left.

K J Collins, ex—I,.eading Seaman, Henley Green, as ex—

—

Coventry

The media have run stories suggesting the Navy would be ‘giving away’ Nelson's flagship and that she would be decommissioned.

However the Second Sea Lord. Vice Admiral Alan Massey, told Navy News: "We are extremely proud of HMS Victory, a truly iconic part of our maritime heritage.

"This unique warship is at the heart of the Royal Navy and there has never been any suggestion of giving her away or decommissioning the ship.

"This current media speculation concerns a study which seeks to guarantee the long-term future of HMS Victory as she undergoes essential maintenance work."

When the study is complete we will. of course. be reporting on it Ed —

~

However, where the\‘t"a|tons are completely unique is that Kevin's nephew Paul Goodall-Copestalse,

received his Polar Medal for 108-} (and at the same investiture as his cousin, Jonathan); and finally that Jonathan's godfather was the Rev Launcelot Fleming who received his silver medal as a geologist

chaplain during the British Grahamland Expedition in the and

Antarctic in I935-37.

In W'W2 he was an RNVR chaplain and later rose to Bishop, both

of Norwich and Portsmouth.

Rear Admiral John Myres.

—

I)orchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

Hood deserves better AFTER6? years. therecent academicexchanges of technical brickbats about HMS Hood appear futile and possibly upsetting to relatives of lost crew.

On May 23 1941 I delivered a sealed canvas bag containing C and SP codebooks to the vessel at secret anchorage in Hvalfjordur and departed 30 minutes later.

As a young P0 (21) I was taken to the ship by Norwegian gunboat RNN Nordkapp from base at Reykjavik, I watched Hood depart almost minutes later.

I had never seen such a large battle-cruiser before but was impressed by gleaming brasswork. spotless wood quarterdeck, immaculate

paintwork and belt of armour plating. l was also overawed by the number of staff officers pacing the decking awaiting sailing —

orders?

On return to port, within hours the British force was in an uproar, following news of the brief battle with Bismarck.

The above comments are about one supreme and magnificent battle-cruiser at a time when all Naval services were stressed during the developing global conflict while endeavouring to maintain an Atlantic lifeline from the West.

Lt Fred Fleldhouse(ret'd) aged 89, Stokesley. North Yorkshire —

I\‘('AS very interested in the Exeter veterans‘ wreath—|aying (September)as from I938 until 1040 l was in 27 mess HMS Exeter. \Vi"hen we arrived in Devonport for celebrations and leave I joined HMS lnglefield, then the old Centurion on secret operations. \Vhen we were in Bombay in 1942, Exeter came in so I went aboard to meet several old mates who had re-commissioned.

In 1945 I was it P0 on HMS Implacable. After the two bombs were dropped, she was adapted to carry Aussies who had been Po\Vs back to Australia.

We then picked up 2,000 troops and 200 sailors and took them over to Vancouver to travel across Canada on the way home. Among the R\' men were a few Exeters who had SLlt‘\-'l\-'L‘Cl l\iippon’s cruelty, my old pal Tally King among them.

At the 50th River Plate reunion I joined up with a few more 'l'af'l'y Robins who stayed on Makassar and Bill Johns who wrote the book No S'1m'endc'r.

The 69th anniversary will be at the Royal Fleet Club, Devonport.

There are very few of us left to attend. so it's now a family association. If anyone is interested, please contact the Secretary, J B Smith, at Lyntondale Kirton Lane. Stainforth, Donezister, tel.

01302 841806.

J London, C|aines,\Vl-’orcester ...I \‘(-"OULD like to point out that the man in the white hat in your picture of veterans in HMS Kent laying a wreath for their fallen shipmates of HMS Exeter is not George Gaskell, but my lriend \‘\'-'i|liam ‘Bil|‘ Francis, who was a stoker on the cruiser HMS Exeter and was :1 Pow with the Japanese.

D R Jarman. Newport City, South Wales —

—

Malay medal I.\l RIEPLY to Brian ‘Tommy' Tucker’s letter (September) I also have been waiting for the award of the Pingat jasa Malaysia Medal for nearly two years.

I served in Singapore and Malaya on two occasions 1954-56 aboard HMS Alert and 1960-63 at HMS Simbang Naval Air Station.

Like ex—I’O Tucker I live in France and have done for nearly five years. .\‘la_vbe this has some bearing on the matter, or maybe they are just waiting for us to cross the bar so that we become ineligible for a posthumous award.

As I will be 77 next month, this is a distinct possibility. .\'Iaybe another option would be to purchase a replica medal which seems to be widely available —

on

eBay!

Mike ‘Doc’ Andrews, Puys— t\'euville, Les Dieppe, France ...I TOO applied to the i\'ational —

Malay and

Borneo Veterans Association about two-and-a-half years ago. I have not received a reply thus far.

I also served from December 1964 until July 1905 in H.\-I5

Corunna, on anti-filtration patrols. The ship’s company all

received the GSM 1962 with Malay Peninsula Clasp.

So as Brian says, we are all in the same boat but on sister ships, if you will excuse the pun.

Ted ‘Fitz' Fitzsimmons. ex-AB, FC2 GOW, I-Ielston —

*-~. ,,...;".'

-i

954 L‘

Victory is indeed an iconic ship. as the Second Sea grip all those with half an ounce of imagination and some Lord. whose flagship she is.‘ pointed out. feeling for history. in her to interest everyone, is Not Perhaps more than anything, Victory reminds us of the g but she a so engen ers a ee in g in many that is very close sailors who served in her, and represents the fighting spirit to worship.

HMS

only theredsometrin

For the connoisseur of

great naval

sea

battles, her part

in Trafalgar is endlessly fascinating. For those interested in naval architecture she is the world’s finest surviving wooden warship, and for all those who love Nelson she is a shrine.

For schoolchildrenand tourists who may have no previous knowledge when they visit Victory in her dry dock in Portsmouth, tales of how her sailors lived, ate and worked

The views expressed in

which has secured our nation’s independence for almost a thousand years, and which continues in our Navy today.

These intangible qualities are always difficult to justify in the face of hard-edged accounting.

But whatever the outcome of the current study into the way she is funded (and it is entirely reasonable that her funding should be reviewed) there must be no compromise either in her maintenance or in our commitment to her.

Navy News do not necessarilyreflect those of the Ministry of Defence

—

l

Leviathan Block, HMS

Nelson, Portsmouth P01 3HH

October 2008 no.651: 55th year Editorial Ednon Sarah Fletcher Deputy Editor: Mike Gray Assistant Editors: Richard Hargreaves Helen Craven 023 9229 4228 9380 24163 (Mil) Fax 023 9283 8845

edlt@navynews.co.uk

Business Business manager: Lisa Taw 023 9229 1525 Subscriptions 023 9273 4448

subscriptions@navynews.co.uk

Accounts 023 9272 0686 Advertising 023 9272 5062 or 023 9275 6951

advertising@navynews.co.uk

Distribution 023 9282 9065 Fax 023 9283 0149

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008 31

COMMENT

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'7 .

ENSIGN

it Hut THE village of Puckeridge has just had four new road signs at its entrances, complete with

ship's crest.

At the beginning of WW2 the East Herts

district collected the money to launch a Huntclass destroyer, which was named after the

Puckeridge Hunt.

This ship was destroyed by enemy action on the evening of Sept ember 6 1943, but is still remembered by the older generation as ‘our ship’.

There are still survivors who would be pleased to see that their shipmates are still rememberedhere.

Eight survivors managed to come from

Whose \V/ITH reference

to

the article

carriers (August) BztronessTayloris quoted as saying: “These ships are fundamental for a Navy fit for the 21st Century."

I don‘t mean to be facetious, but which Navy? The First Sea Lord is about the

quoted

new

saying: “\Ve are a major European power, play a key part of the European Union and are a major leader in this field."

He is then quoted as describing as

the flight deck of each ship as “four acres of sovereign territory," but he doesn’t say whose.

There is no mention of NATO. which is surely the cornerstone of our defence.

Are

Limited

England to attend the 60th anniversary at village church in Standon and the church was packed. l have contacted one survivor and we hope you can notify any others through your letters

all

over our

page.

D N Bedding, Puckerid e. Ware. Herts We couldn't find a p otograph of HMS Puckeridge, so instead here is a charming photo of the hunt after which she was named (kindly sent in by Denis O'Fiegan —

-

w

9:: new

l«:-’:y. n I).

The road signs with the crest were erected by Hertfordshire Highways. who sent us the image of the roadsign Ed -

Navy is it? we to

WHITE ASSOCIATION

understand the EU is

now our new defence arrangement, and if so could either

please Baroness Taylor or Sir Jonathon Band explain when Parliament placed our conventional and nuclear forces at the disposal of

the EU? I believe that Parliament has at no stage approved the transfer of our defence to the EU and indeed the government gave assurances during the recent debate on the Treaty of Lisbon that defence continued as a UK preserve, as part of its argument that the Treaty was altogether dilferent from the EU constitution.

UK’s sovereign status has lapsed since the European Communities Act 1972, according to Mr Justice Laws in rejecting the appeal of the so—called Metric

UNBIASED, CONFIDENTIAL & Tel: 020 7407 8658 MOD: 9621 81945

The

Martyrs.

The Treaties of Rome and Maastricht also provide for a

HMS BELFAST} Tooley Street, London SE1 2JH Fax: 020 7357 6298

single foreign policy and defence policy.

Please

statement

heading?

have an honest of where the RN is

can we

I very much fear that within a few years it will have ceased to

i\'aw.

Stephen Dixon, Gillingham,

exist in favour of an EU —

Kent

WEA Representatives conduct brlefingsllmenriewsregularly at Establishments (bookings taken through ResettlementIEducatlon Centres], and by appointment onboard HM Ships.

‘ALI.

NAVY NE“;-'S, OCTOBER 2008

32 §‘

'ONCE NAVY ALWAYSNAVY’

9-

Ocean trawls for members FORMER Fleet MAA Mick Cahill is the first new ship member to

join the HMS Ocean Association —

a

and it is hoped he represents reversal in the trend of falling

numbers.

The Association was formed in

l987,eight_vearsbefore the current

HMS Ocean was launched. it flourished for litany years, but

numbers are now declining among the old and bold.

In the

HQ bids farewell to Chelsea As of the first of this month HQ will be within the confines of the naval base, following the decision of the 2007 annual conference.

The HQ was established in Chelsea in the early l9"2(ls because, at the that time, there was a considerable Naval presence in London, and the communications technology of the day almost necessitated a presence in the capital.

Since then things have changed dratnatically: the RN presence in London is markedly reduced with the staff of ZSI. and CINCFleet relocated to Portsmouth.

enough

dempsterr'nuflin@aol.com

Stamps in the bag TWO officers from the Portsmouth branch have handed over

to

bags

of used postage stamps

the city's

lifeguards.

Branch secretary Sr'.’\-‘l Rev David Stephen Butler (:1 cit_v counci|lor,in whose St Jude ward the lifeguards operate) and chairman S-.\-l Peter

make a London presence unnecessary.

The aim ofthe move is to take the Association

it should be worth the wait once everything is in place and running smoothly!

The new HQ address is Room 209.

Semaphore Tower, Building l/0~l0, PP70, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth POI 3LT. The number to call for general enquiries is 023 9272 3823, for the Deputy General Secretary the number is 023 0272 0782, and for the General Secretary dial 023 9272 2983.

—

.

“WELL

back on board after 47 years,” tvt'i.rcs I.ciglt Easmn of the HMS Bicltearlc, Albion, Centaur Assucfatimz, on board Hfl/IS Bnltearle from Gibraltar

I’/_\'motrt/1.

to

“Not yet. How does one salute the quarterdcck without a beret?

Ah... that's the reason all the retired .\laval oliicers wear funny hats whilst in civvies.

“Who is this at the other end of the gangway? Good grief, it's the Captain, Jeremy Blunden.

“It’s fair to say I

was not

greeted

by Capt Franks in l<)6|.

Very nice though, and all ver_v friendly if only I could think of something appropriate to say!

“Something a bit odd though the flight deck has disappeared and the stern rises; still room for two chopw-rs though.”

SIM I.eigh‘s contact was CPO Auty (\‘(-"eapons Engineering), and on

board

—

the welcome to the Chiefs’ Mess prompted him to reflect that he should never have left.

He was joined the following day

by S.-'.\-ls Bob Cowan (ex Cr'Sgt RM, Bulwark5 and 6 commissions) and Ian Chesney (ex-Stoker, Bulwark I0 commission), and the

the Portsmouth and Southsea Voluntary Lifeguards’ station.

The stamps will help the lifeguards achieve their target of to

HQ.

Visit of the

lamp men

.\-lliMBERS of the Batti Wallahs Society visited H.\'lS Collingwood to see how training is carried out at the Maritime ‘\‘Z'arfare School.

The society was founded in 1906

by P810 Line electrical engineers, who provided navigationallighting for shipping passing through confined waters such as the Suez Canal.

Membership was later cxtcnclcd to electrical engineers in the RN and merchant shipping lines.

‘Batti wallah’ is derived from the Hindustani for ‘lamp men’.

Club funds new lifeboat AN RNLI lifeboat. funded by a donation from the North Russia club. is to be named during a ceremony at the Sea Survival Centre at the Lifeboat College in Poole this month.

The club originally covered ex-Serviceman who served at RN bases in Archangel and Murmansk during World War 2, and was later extended to all who sewed in Arctic convoys.

But with the formal winding-up of the club, due to declining numbers. the balance of club funds was donated to the FlNL| to pay for the new boat, Northern Light, named after the club's former quarterly magazine.

room

~lA'.'I/A'.'1‘.I

—

Kenyan

.

reunion THE

(Ihurch House Inn at Rattery was the venue for the

35th reunion of the Kenya Navy Veterans of Mtongwe Naval Base Mombasa.

The team, which trained the fledgling Kenyan Navy in the

—

and the

19605, may be losing a few of its older members, but has also

gained several younger ones along

bridge, revealing

the way.

A big vote of thanks was clue to Dave Hutson, who has organised the events for many years but is standing down next year because of his health.

impressive range of hi-tech equipment which could have been useful on the old carrier, then an

down to the teeth of the ship, the amphibious assault craft and associated gear.

Ships tour

\‘t"'eapons

and the engine room were also on the tour list before an evening in the messes, including :1

quiz.

The followings evening brought Bulwark's Got Talent, which was not a million nautical miles away from the old SODS Operas, according to S»'M Leigh.

The veterans sat in on routine briefings, and watched landing craft launches before being ferried ashore in an LCL' “driven in a very seamanlike manner by C/Sgt Mell Mellor ol'—‘l Assault Squadron RM."

Terry Roberts, vicar of St

carried the standard.

All then moved to the church hall for speeches and refreshment branch chairman John \‘L"yeth also toasted the Association and absent friends.

R02 will be impressed."

There was also a tour of Bulwark, including the operations an

Oddie and his wife Gill, gathered at St Barnabas Church, \‘t'-"eeke, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the recommissioning of the branch.

Guests of honour included the Deputy Mayor of the city, Cllr Dominic Hiscock, and Admiral Sir Derek Reffcll, president of Area 3.

Also in attendance were shipmates from Southampton and Alresford, plus two Sea Cadets officers.

The service was taken by Barnabas and Winchester branch padre, while S.-".\-l i'\.-‘lartin Wfiltshire

Leigh managed to communicate with the frigate by Aldis lamp "my mate front all these years ago

l\-ll-l.\-lBl-IRS of Falmouth branch enioyed a waterborne tour of the competitors in the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Race on the evening before they departed.

The excursion included a trip up the River Fal and a grandstand view of the evening's fireworks

display.

The

trip

was

organised by

branch social secretary SKM Stan Kirkbride and treasurer S-‘M Alan

0 The well deck of HMS Bulwark

Pol|e_v.

Service gives thanksfor Iile of ill: sulimat-iner F.I.l'i\’EN standard bearers honoured

to

parade

at

were

the service

ofthanksgiving for submarincr Lt Cdr Ian Fraser VC. The national stttltdard of the Submariners Association was

paraded, together with live branch standards

--

those of

Merseyside.

Manchester, Wales, London

and Derby.

The Royal British Legion. the RNA, HiVlS Conway and other standards were also on display.

St James's Church in New Brighton was packed for the service, with standing room only.

Rear Admiral Submarines attended, together with four members of the crew of HMS Astute and senior officials of

ex—Service organisations including the RNA and the .\-lerchant

Navy

Association.

The service was dedicated to the life of Ian Fraser, but also marked the end of a significant era.

The

man

who

drove

the

midget submarine X133 through tight security into the Strait of Singapore to sink the Japanese

cruiser Takao in the

of [945 an operation which also saw diver Jim Magennis win the VC was the last remaining holder in the Silent Service.

Indeed, it also marked the passing of the last holder of the H9 \r'Cs awarded to the Royal Navy, including those in the Royal .\"l:trines, RNR and RNVR. summer

V

0

90 YEARS AGO THIS

MONTH,TllE GERMAN HIGH SEAS FLEET PREPARED

-

The assault ship undertook exercises with HMS Somerset, and

—

ME.\lBF.RS of Winchester branch, including president David

Revd

three took a trip to the top of the Rock before the ship sailed.

Naval Quirks

/‘E

accommodation.procuring new IT equipment, furniture etc.

New staff are being recruited since the long-standing and loyal team from Chelsea, Tony Sattin and Noclinc Lee, are going off to well-deserved retirement, though they will be sorely missed. .\"luch still remains to be done, so be patient

Back to Bulwai-It 47 years later.

I.ongstalT took tlte stamps along

a new

Maybe not quite, but staff did not have to buy too many Visitors’ books.

For the time being, access to HQ will be restricted as it is within the naval base security perimeter, but it is hoped there will be better visiting arrangements in due course.

The recently—recruited Deputy General Secretary of the RNA, S.-".'\-‘l Frank \V'ard, is now busy preparing the new offices for

now

to

swell the numbers.

"We do recognise that the present ship’s company is onl_v a quarter that of the previous ship,“ said Rear Admiral I-Iuan Maclcan. the association’s president.

“Also, time on board and in the Service tends to be shorter and people tend to join ship associations when they leave the Service.”

He added: “We're still keen to recruit members from the previous ship. And if the association has to die out, we'll go down with all guns firing."

Mick Cahill, who left the .\l:oy as Fleet Command\‘l"arrantOfficer (Surface Ships) after a 35-year career, said: “For those on board Ocean now there will always be a welcome for you here and please never forget the ship you came from and the affection those before you still have for her."

Anyone wishing to join the HMS Ocean Association should Contact chairman Bill Entwistle at 8 lrene St, Burnley BEN) 41)}, tel (H282 433910 or email newsletter editor Eric Dempster at

V

Additionally, advances in communications

hope of attracting more

haven't been

to

moving its HQ to Portsmouth.

young members, the association is offering associate membership to everyone serving in the current HMS Ocean, and to pilots who served on board the current or previous ship but so far these measures

where the RN is following the recent signing ofthe Memorandum ofUnderstanding with the RN, easier access (collocation almost) to the Naval authorities is seen as highly desirable.

Additionally, the Chelsea site was pretty remote. and visitors to HQ were few and far between the General Secretary reckons that the last sailor to visit HQ was Noel Coward...

AFFER many years of residency in leafy and upmarket Chelsea, the RNA is in the throes of

Winchester celebrates silver date

WANTéP NO MORE TALK OF NAVAL EATTLES

Te US Navy colour party parade at amouth

Sea Sunday splendour

GLORIOUS weather

once

again

greeted the marchers in the annual Falmouth Sea Sunday parade and church service, organised by

Falmoulh branch.

HMS Cornwall was off Falmouth for the event, before sailing for an intensive period of training, and 60 of her ship‘s company took part in the parade.

Also on the streets of the town were 15 midshiptnen under

training

at

Dartmouth and

a

Nan_' at

colour party from the US St

Mawgttn.

A number of other branches from Cornwall and beyond

involved, as organisations such

were

were as

youth

the Sea

Cadets and Sea Scouts.

Following the service at the clturch ofKing Charles the l\-‘lartyr, the parade reformed and marched on to a buffet and reception which was held at the National Maritime Museum.

NAVY Nl£\\'lS,OCTOBER 2008

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION

llllEIllllBl‘SlIl|ldoubles plaq_ue

suppon

scheme launched

to Kite

With new fl§Il‘BBIllBllt A

Nltirgan ()’Connell, recently Chief Consultant Psychiatrist to Combat Stress. and ‘Joe‘ lirskittc, of SSAFA Forces Help (Portsmouth), together with David ‘Watts, General Pvlanager of the Royal Maritime Club, set up the Dr

THE Association’s muchheralded Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Royal l\'avy has been formally signed and agreed, giving membership of the RNA to every serving sailor.

—

initiative to benefit ex—Ser\-‘ice veterans andfor family members.

The venue is the former Home

Action will be taken

changed to meet operational needs of the Navy and administrative requirements of the Association.

The most immediate impact of

Accommodation is available

wwwroyalmaritimeclut).

co.uk/ and quote “Outreach at

the agreement is that the RNA has more than doubled in size and can now claim to be the largest, and arguably most influential, official maritime membership association in Britain, if not Europe.

The MOU acknowledges that “the age profile of the membership is high and

agreed Members Rates" when

booking.

The programme will operate as a drop—in centre where those for

a

private

chat, hopefully with a GI’,

psychiatrist andlor therapist.

There will also be

advice

an

providing access to groups as the RNBT, the RBL,

centre

such Combat Stress and the SPVA. You may make an appointment

activitiesofthemembership and

thus branches frequently restricted age and infirmity."

for a specific time by calling Dr O’Conricll on 0132‘) 334512 leave details on the answering

machine if necessary and you will be contacted within -18 hours.

The programme will be subject

change as it evolves.

Fish supper hits the spot

due

to

pcripatetic

the

Service life and the

that

catises

when

member of a

of

nature

difliculty

member is

a

particular branch.

a

compcllingly

“However it is

that the key to the future health and vibrancy of the Association lies in reduction of the age profile by recruiting and retaining _vounger members.“ the MOU continues.

As part of the agreement, the RNA has made a number of obvious

undertakings, including:

[]Forntation

of

a

form of

new

membership for the RN entitled

the

Serving Nlember;

Serving to enter

members will be able

any RNA branch

or

distributed

to

appropriate ships,

units and establishments.

In return, the RN undertakes:

'l'o nominate a suitable member of the Naval Service, usually 2SL’s Command Warrant Officer, for appointment as Vice President (Serving Members); To ensure ships and units

appoint a point of contact to liaise

with branch committees and HQ; Provide, on an occasional basis, space on the NFF and RNCom websites. and others as appropriate, to advertise linkage between the R.\' and the RNA.

A

system will

new

ensure

the

RNA and RN work more closely in the regions to allow the Association to play a greater part in ship visits; overseas branches will be made aware of foreign visits.

“The Royal l\'avy and the RNA recognise and value the co-operation and amity which has traditionally existed between them, and the RN undertakes to

encourage its

venue

club,

without invitation, on production of the appropriate Service Identity Card, which will serve as an RNA Serving .\-lember card; Serving members will not be members of any particular branch unless they join in their own right, and will therefore have no voting

representative on National Council;

have

a

Serving Nletnbers subscription; an

electronic copy of

Brigg5

Rose Bowl is handed over but only temporarily.

The trophy for the small branch recruiting most full members was this year shared by Bracltnelland Stafford, who will hold it for six months each. Here S/M Bob Privett (left), chairman of Bracknellbranch. receives the trophy from Area 6 president S/M Les Gascoyne at an area meeting O The

—

—

2

The Royal Naval Association Once Navy Always Navy Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism and Comradeship

—

0 Hum bosun S/M Bob Shaw is

mEE3

who can

busy with the measures

Passing

0

of the tot mourned COMMISER.-\'l‘IONS

were

exchanged once again as members THE mystery ship in our August edition (right) was HMS Cachalot, and she was correctly identified

by Mr Fl Denny of Plymouth. who wins 250.

This month'ssubmarine (above) is pictured in 1970. shortly before a mishap at Gosport which proved to be an ignominious end to a career spanning a quarter of

to

the tot.

With

Closing

tor entries is November 14. More than one entry can be submitted, but photocopies cannot be accepted. Do not include anything else in your envelope: no correspondence can be entered into and no entry returned.

The winner will be announced in our December edition. The competition is not open to Navy News employees or their families.

What is the name of the unlucky submarine, which took the name of a Greek goddess?

Complete the coupon and send to Mystery Picture. Navy News,

HMS Nelson, Portsmouth P01 SHH. Coupons giving correct answers will go into a prize draw to establish a winner.

'

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Address

date

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the 35th of the abolition of

cotnmemorate

anniversary

century.

it

Plymouth branch gathered

of

.

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_

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all veterans present qualifying under the ‘over age 20' rule, rum bosun S*'M Bob Shaw was kept busy ensuring that lots were correctly measured and speedily distributed.

Branch secretary S.-"M Arthur Gutteridge gave a brief history of the tot issue and its demise before proposing the Loyal Toast.

And S.v'M Arthur’s wife Sue, and the social committee. were thanked for organising the event, which raised just under £100 for

charity.

The same sentiments were in evidence at the City of Ely

branch, where shipmates have been indulging their the past nine years.

Their

sorrow

for

of commiseration began at RAF Mildenhall where their American friends were totally taken up by the idea, especially the black ribbons sported on lapels.

This year was no different, thanksto ex-‘Wren PO(CK) Eithne and her family, who trzinsfortttcd acts

their garden into

a

suitable

venue to raise some

thereby helped [250 for good causes. and

who witnessed

the sinking.

A memorial had been dedicated to the ship in 200-‘l, attended by two of the nine survivors of Hl\-‘lS Kite and two from HMS Kcppel,

the accompanyingship including Sl'.\-1 Copson.

Four years on the only living survivor of Kite, Lionel lrish, was not well enough to attend.

“It was a strange feeling to realise that l was the only person there who had witnessed the sinking," said Ss'.\-‘l Copson.

7

Gordon was a Telegraphist (S) on board Koppel, “stuck in a little

oflice right aft in the officers’ flats under X gun rather noisy

times with the

dcpth—charge

Tribute to VC

no

monthly circular; Each Area Secretary will provide HQ with a social programme in which the serving members might participate, which will be the RNA

men

copson@nt|wor|d.com

Eaehship, unit and establishment

will receive

surviving

r

the RNA

will pay

few

throwers outside,” he said.

The convoy veteran has been wondering whether there are any of his shipmates from the time still about if so, he would like to hear from them via email on gordon.

Serving members will, however,

by

And one oftliose who attended was Gordon Copson, one of the

at

meetings.

Congratulations are extended to two shipmates and their wives

a

names

~

for branch

who celebrated their Diamond Wedditigs S-"M Don Clark and his wife Joan, and S/M Tom .Millard and Vera.

The branch was pleased to welcome another serving member of the R.\l on board over the summer Logistician Matthew Drummy, whose mother Antonia also joined up.

to

remain members of the RNA on retirement," the MOU concludes.

The document will be reviewed annually at a senior level, with an initial six—month progress check.

ANOTHER successful Cheshunt branch messdeck fish and chip supper was held at the Conservative Club in \V/althatn

Cross, the usual

personnel

powers of their own;

are

It also recognises thatthe joining age for most full—titne members is around 53, because of the time taken for ex-sailors to ‘bed in‘ to a second career in their 309 or 405.

Despite “considerable effort” in recent years, the number of serving members has remained small, the MOU reports, largely

—

to

the

months to implement the agreement, but RNA officials point out this is a living document which ma_v need to be amended or

3pm and 8pm on the first Wednesday of ever_v month.

can come

over

coming

Club, in Queen Street, between

interested

the

convoy in 1944 has been unveiled in Essex.

veterans

launched in I’ortsmouth.

see

PLAQUE bearing

of 217 melt who died when HMS Kite was torpedoed on a Russian

outreach support programme has been

—

"4

Tribute

Outreach

A NEW

3*‘,

33

join?

Full Members Serving and Ex-Service members of RN, RM, QARNNS, WRNS, Reserves RFA and RNXS Associate members Others in sympathywith our objects especially families

What does the Association do?

We:

Support the Royal Navy

Maintain Naval traditions

Enjoy social activities Re-unite shipmates

Rememberthe fallen Help the disabled Look after the needy Cheer up the distressed Stand together in unity

How to

join

Write to RNA HQ Room

209,

Semaphore Tower, Building 1/040, PP70, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth

P01 3LT For General Enquiries Tel: 023 9272 3823 Deputy General Secretary Tel: 023 9272 0782

MEMBERS of Maidstone and Chatham branches attended a service of commemoration in honour of the first recipient of the Victoria Cross, Admiral Charles Davis Lucas, buried at St Lawrence Church in Nlereworth. Kent.

The service was also attended

by Maidstone Sea Cadets and local scout groups, who added their standards to those of the RNA.

34

NAVY NEVUS, OCTOBER 2008

Make “I8 IIIIISI Ill

tvinsiii M

Seminar

keeps

Young

reservists discuss

suppon

WOs in

I‘B80l|I‘BBS

THE first Joint Services Warrant Officers‘ Course (JSWOC) seminar has been staged at the Joint Services Command and Staff College at Shrivcnham.

The seminar was designed to provide an update on issues covered during the course, and

IWONDERED long and hard about what I should dedicate my six—monthlyslot in Naivy News to this time, writer Kim Richardson‘ Chair Natiaf Families Federation.

picture

99

graduates attended, including

a number of multinational and multi—agency students.

Although a wide range of subjects were covered, they all had an operational bias.

The seminar also allowed graduates to network with each other and guest speakers.

The keynote speech was given by Defence Secretary Des Browne, who delivered a strategic overview and then took part in a lively question-and-answer session under the Chatham House Rule, under which information may be freely used but the anonymity of participants is strictly maintained.

Current operations and particular issues were analysed from the perspective of each Service, while senior officers from Canada, Kenya and France updated theaudienceon operations and changes to defence policy in their respective countries.

Prizes were also handed out to outstanding students on the various courses from the 2007

programme.

day ended with a formal dinner, at which principal The

joined number of senior officers,

guest Mr Browne

by a including

was

Rear Admiral Neil Moi-isetti, the Commandant Joint Services Command and Staff

College.

For those who have yet to attend the ]S\\'/OC, you can find details at

www.da.mod.uklcourses/

courses-by-rank/warranb officers-courses/ or call 01793 788854.

nay III Prayer

IDI‘ FOFCBS

Chaplaincies and the Military Christian organisations are staging a Day

THE Armed Forces‘

Prayer for the Armed Forces on Thursday November 6 at St Clement Danes, Strand, London.

In past times of conflict, the nation was called upon to pray for sailors, soldiers and airmen, and with the Forces once again heavily involved in various operations the chaplaincies have set up a focal point for such a day.

The afternoon will consist of prayer, worship and topical briefings between l2.=l-5pm and -lpm, with a light lunch served from midday.

For more information and a prayer sheet for those unable to make it to London see www. pray4ourforces.org.uk or email of

forcesprayerday@yahoo.co.uk

It's your 2-6 NEED to get your message across to the rest of the RN? To feature in 2-6 contact Lt Cdr Gregor Birse (Fleet Media Ops), 93832 8809.

\What sort of topics are high on the NFF agenda at present?

Service Command Paper, securing school places and that old

timely

efficient appropriate communication!

At about the same time as I was wondering about what you might find interesting, my mum gave me an old book with some notes written by my great-grandmother, Ethel Pook.

The book containedhandwritten notes about her experiences as a Naval wife nearly I00 years ago.

HOW do you persuade your civilian boss to support you when you want to take nine months off for a deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq, writes S.-‘Lt Laura Harri'son RNR of HMS W/ilaflri-.

This was one of the questions put to more than 40 young reserve officers from nearly 30 countries at the 2008 Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR) Summer Congress, which took place in Istanbul.

Amongst the 40 were 2/Lt Andrew Pugsley (RMR London), S/Lt Gemma Fox (HMS King Alfred), Lt Paul Ladislaus (HMS

Housing, chestnut,

Calliope), Lt Sally Armstrong (HMS Vivid) and Lt Kathleen Standen (HA-IS Wildfire).

The five were participating in the Young Reserve Officers’\\Vorkshop (YRO'\V),a key component of the Congress.

Lt Hannah MacKcnzie (HMS Wildfire), a participant in YROW 2008, also attended as a syndicate

Here is what she writes:

“To understand why this day stands out in my memory I must start my story a little earlier.

“In 1911 I was married to a young Naval shipwright who was stationed in Portsmouth.

“We started married life in :1 little house at Southsea and for just over a year we were very happy.

“By this time

had just had a little son. when he was a few weeks old my husband was sent to a ship which sailed away to the Mediterranean and he was away for two years.

“When he

we

eventually

came

home we knew that he would be due for a home billetand we felt safe in looking forward to being

together again.

“Imagine our delight

when he Osborne House in

drafted to the Isle of'\Vight.

“At that time there was a Royal Naval Cadet College in the grounds of Osborne House which was one of Queen Victoria’s favourite residences. My husband's duties was

were to

do with the College.

“We decided that to be together we would store our home and would go over and live at the Island.

“My

for

us

husband obtained

and

we went over

rooms

in the

beginning ofAugust, 1914.

“The first thing we received was

an

invitation

to a

cricket match

at

Osborne.

“Being August, the cadets would be on holiday. The match was arranged between the officers

ratings, and the officers were supplying a tea for wives and

and

families.

“We arrived and

sat

around

on

the lovely lawns and the men, all in white cricket gear, were enjoying their game. It was a typical English

afternoon scene.

“I don’t remember how long we sat but it was not very long when we were startled by a big fire bell

facilitatorfor

summer

ringing.

“Of course we did not realise what it meant, but within a few minutes the men had all vanished into their quarters.

“After a very short time, they all came out dressed in their Navy uniform and carrying hand luggage which they must have

hurriedly packed.

“They had not

time to talk to us, but all made their way to one

sidc of the ground and we just followed.

“We found that there was a narrow railway there with trucks on it. The men all loaded their

luggage on these trucks started pushing them.

and

“We found that this led down to River Medina which runs between East and West Cowes.

“There we found a launch waiting and the men all crowded this. They had no time to talk to us and all we could follow

on to

that it would all be over by Christmas and they would soon

was

be back again.

“It was a very

and they all waved

identify with Ethel.

Long periods

little loved

to us

knowing what to do, but gradually made our way back not

we to our

temporary homes. I did not see my husband again for a whole year. I have often wondered what happened to the tea..."

Nlany of you will be able to

keeping in

The bowl bears a depiction of a gun crew and details of the winners; the base has panels bearing battle honours won by previous HMS Bedfords. honour One is Camperdown

(October ll 1797), won by the 7-I-gun HMS Bcdford when part of Duncan's North Sea Squadron.

channels

we

touch easier.

during a family crisis when the Serving

go in

an

emergency

or

person is not eontactable? I not convinced they do.

am

We have a wealth of resources available to families which they may not need now, but in the future might just make a difference.

My

pick our

log

out

message to you today is up a copy of i\’u'v_v i\"cw.c or

in-house

maga'/.ine Homcporr,

on to our

FtNcom

website and check

Take a look at the Service Personnel Command Paper.

Tell us about the good things, also tell us about the things you find more difficult about Naval life and, more importantly, tell us what more we could be doing about it.

If my great granddaughterpicks up this article in I00 years time I wonder what site will think.

I will never know but what I do know is that today we can make a difference.

In a constructive diplomatic way, and together |et’s do just that!

—

—

share their experiences not all countries have organisations such as the UK's SaBRE (Supporting to

Britain’s Reservists and Employers)

fight the reservist’s corner.

The workshop also contributes to understanding between the officers of different nations, who are increasingly working together to

in multinational forces.

There was also a chance

improve

communication skills

to as

findings were gathered, discussed and collated for presentation to others.

officers under the age of 30 and below the rank of

Any

reserve

Lt (RNR)

or

Captain (RMR) who

would like to attend YRO\V 2009 in Sofia, Bulgaria, should contact the UK Reserve Forces Association for further information.

See www.ukrfa.org/ for details.

Last QinetiQ shares THE Ministry of Defence has announced the sale of its remaining ordinary shares in OinetiQ Group pic at a price of 206p per share.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Baroness Taylorsaid: ‘'I am pleased to announce that with this sale of shares in QinetiQ we have completed the final stage of its privatisation."

»

are

sold

The firm employs around 13.00 people at locations around the UK. and remains a key supplier to the Armed Forces.

Although the Government no longer has a financial stake in QinetiQ. it will retain a special share in the company to protect the UK's defence and security interests.

Naval IPOIIIIIBS made available

and wine decanter coasters for which future usage is unlikely.

The majority are either of blue or silver plate, and original donors are being given the opportunity to reclaim their gifts.

Before selling the remainder —

crews.

to war

Our welfare provision in the form of NPFS and Royal Marines \Ve|farc are attuned to the needs of our families.

When you combine this technology and support with the voice of families being louder and more listened to than ever before, it makes me wonder what she would think of Naval family life today.

But, and it is a big but, are families aware of what is available to them, do they know where to

boxes, cigarette lighters, ashtrays

the

ones

today; she relied solely on infrequent letters and the support of friends and family.

Email, Paradigm, RNCom and mobile phones have all made

—

annually by

goes, your loved

have

Fund plan to dispose of a number of trophies cigarette

for gun

one

communication

THE Trustees of the RN Trophy

TROPHY Pl2l56 is a 23in diameter silver punchbowl, originally presented to the armoured cruiser HMS Bedford by the County of Bedfordshire in March 1905 in order to be competed

ho

sometimes notice before your at sea,

and a sense of uncertainty about their return.

But we have moved forward.

Ethel didn’t have any of the

and sailed were

or

going off

hasty goodbye

away over to Portsmouth.

“We wives and families

left

O Ethel Pook on her wedding day in 7911

of the groups. lfiittbiirig N/f'l"() operations tlimugli cffecritre employer mpport, thetheme ofthis year’s symposium, was the topic of discussion for young reserve officers as they brainstormed how they could make their military and civilian careers complement one another.

The participants came to'I'urkey one

public auction, the Trustees wish serving and former Royal Navy personnel to have the opportunity to purchase these items and, while photos cannot be provided, further details of these items in question can be obtained from the Secretary to the RN Trophy Fund Trustees at the RN Trophy Centre, Hardy at

Block, HMS Nelson, Portsmouth

POI 31-II-I, or by email at either CXP FINTC SEC on the Intranet or at

cxprntcsec@a.dii.mod.uk

It is theTrustees’ intention that items be used and appreciated by those to whom their provenance and history might be significant and that they will not be —

‘rccycled‘ on eBay...

To encourage bids from serving and former Service personnel, no reserve price has been set and in the event ofthere being two equal bids for an item, preference will be given in the following order: To any person who was in the ship or establishment at the

TROPHY P12878 is an oil painting

by Russell Flint of five Tribal-class destroyers under air attack in the Channel in June 1944, presented to HMS Tartar in 1963 by the Tribal Class Memorial Committee.

The ship in the foreground is HMS Tartar. the others being Eskimo, Ashanti and the Canadian Haida and Huron.

The Navy provided 126 ships.

time the item

presented;

was

originally

To the person who served for the longer period in the ship or establishment; To other persons.

Bids for a particular item should be made to the Secretary

the Trustees at the address shown above by Friday October 31 2008. Successful bidders will be informed shortly thereafter.

Envelopes containing written bids are to be marked ‘SBA 1’ in the top left corner, and this is be the including Tartar. for the Allied of emailtobids. subject landings at Salerno. which took All must include the place on September 9 1943. following details: There was no bombardment, of bidder; yet the beaches were captured. Name Details of item being despite fierce resistance. bid for; British and US forces landed at Dates of service in two locations. and after day one the particular ship or were still ten miles apart. but 24 establishment; hours later they had linked up and Amount of bid; controlled 40 miles of coast.

Full contact address. to

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008

Bavarian SlIl3CBS_S l8 IIO 9I‘Bat SllI'|lI‘ISB 0 W01

THE NEW Naval Outdoor Centre, nestling in the Allgau region of Bavaria, is already taking bookings for 2009.

Andy Flainey

Three wishes forthe future ALMOST a year into his tenure, the Second Sea Lord’s Command Warrant Officer (CWO) has a clear view of where he wants to see improvements by the time he hands

The

over

his

cane.

who sits at the top of the ratings‘ tree, and provides a crucial link between the lower deck man

and his boss, said: “I

listen, and

make

to

am

there

sure that are heard.

to

the

voices of the ratings “But I am also there to make sure that t.he ratings don't shrug off as management speak the news that they need to hear."

With the CWO and Executive Warrant Officer system in place to channel information back and forth through the Navy,WOl Andy Rainey says there is now a much better system for understanding how the people feel about issues and the people of the Royal Navy are its greatest asset.

But W01 Rainey said there three particular areas were where he would still like to see —

improvements.

“The first is the

relationship

between officers and ratings, helping the Officer Corps has a greater understanding of the ratings,” he said.

“By virtue of my position, it is much easier for me to go speak to a whole raft of officers.

“It’s as important to me to be able to ensure that there is a flow of easily—understood language up and down the command chain.”

The second area is of openness

within and outside the RN, and a

chance for

junior ratings

to

aspire high positions within the ratings cadre including the role of Command Warrant Officer.

“The final thing is very much more basic," said W01 Raincy.

“I would like to see far more of a structured career progression to the Senior Rate cadre.

“I say that because, if you are good enough, you could be promoted to \\l-'01 at age 32, which essentially means that you have got an 18-year career as a W01 ahead of you, and that is all there is.

“My goal would be to help create something better.

“I am keen thatWOI s,once they reach the top of their profession, aren't left hanging on, doing the same job until boredom drives them from the Service.

“There are over 800 W015 in the Naval Service. They should be able to work across a range to

—

ofiobs. are “Essentially, \WOls for their promoted leadership,

management and administrative skills, and an awful lot get tied back into branch.”

W0] Rainey said his role was not to act as an individual‘s hotline to 2SL, and as such he believes the Divisional system is one of the

Navy’s

successes

—

one

which

can

deal with most circumstances.

“The divisional system has looked after me for 30 years, and I

actually

think

of the best initiatives in recent years is the reinvigoration of the divisional

system,” he said.

one

centre,

in the St James area of London became a meeting place for a number of figures who, as was common at the time, met for dinner to debate the scientific and academic issues of the day.

Among them were Rear Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort generally accepted as the founder of modern hydrography and Arctic explorer Rear Admiral Sir John Franklin.

In the same year that this informal ‘club’ became the RGS a child was born in Yorkshire who would become a passionate supporter of both the RN and RGS. Clements Robert Markham entered the Navy at 14 and spent four years on an 83,000—mile voyage to the Pacific. He later sailed in the Arctic Squadron.

On leaving the Navy he joined the East India Company, but maintained his affinity for the Senior Service.

At the age of 63 Markham was elected President of the RGS, dominating its affairs for tavern

—

—-

Ex BS gave RN and RM personnel the opportunity to fulfil 2SL‘s PFS of five-day ATICA, providing valuable skills which are transferable to other areas and

(Germany).

In 2009, skiing will take place from January l5 until May, with a variety of five-day courses, including basic ski proficiency (from complete novice to blue runs, or improved novices as far as red runs) and advance proficiency for intermediate skiers.

There will also be the chance to sample the delights of ski touring.

The tried and tested multiactivitypackage will run from May to October, offering a round-robin of activities including kayaking or

open

boating, climbing,

Alpine mountain walking or Klettersteiging and mountain hiking, with an opportunity to do white-water rafting or canyoning

the final day.

Packages will last a week, running from Sunday to Sunday, and begin at the ferry terminal in Dover.

A luxury German coach will whisk passengers overnight to Bavaria to the I-Iaus Schwaben an Eng1ish—run hotel with great food where participants will be allocated a room, receive a on

—

—

An early taste for adventure I830 are still nurtured in the 21st century.

In 1827 the Thatched House

1,385 participants.

and the fact that AT has been recognised as helping with retention, led to the opening of the Naval Outdoor Centre

_:.-ml}

Society which stretch back to the academic body‘s foundation in

in

thereby enhancing operational capability.

Ex BS‘s enormous popularity,

tun slit

STRONG links between the Royal Navy and the Royal Geographical

Southern Germany, offers activities for all levels, good weather, fantastic scenery and is within a day’s drive from all UK base port areas.

In its initial guise as Exercise Bavarian Surprise (Bit BS) the scheme grew from an eight-week adventurous training (AT) and challenging activities (CA) affair in 2005, and within two years it had grown to a 30-week package from April to October attracting The

35

0lt's Idownhill romhe

:

R ‘and RM personnel will soon get the chance to test themselves in Bavaria all year round

-

briefing and then get

explore the local area.

a

chance

to

Instructors take over on Tuesday with a programme tailored for each individual's needs.

Possibilities for the evening include swimming at a local pool,

BBQS

and

quizzes

and

an

his drive which saw funding for Scott’s expedition to the Antarctic in the first years of the 20th Century.

The same spirit of endeavour and self-fulfilment is engendered through the Royal Nat-y’s

water-

summer. skiing on Bespoke packages can be

eight

to

12

groups of around

concentrating on

one

of the activities provided, for which there may be a charge.

The centre will support the Navy’s Battle Back initiative for wounded personnel with specialist

weeks in March and

July.

And RN and RM families will benefit from dedicated time over Easter, allowing them to stay at the centre at hcavily—discountcd

provided they are members of the Sports Lottery.

If the initiative is successful, further family time will be

rates

—

allocated in the first three weeks ofAugust and at Christmas.

The centre will also provide a great opportunity for any PTI who

12 years, and it

was

the lake in

arranged for

unprecedented

would like to pursue AT instructor.

\Vl-"hethcr just and wanting to qualifications and

a career as an

setting

out

gain further

experience,

or

developing qualifications to enable

you

to

work

level -I

at a

centre

in

the future, this place is ideal.

The offer to work as an instructor goes to anyone holding relevant qualifications who would like the

opportunity to get involved with teaching; providing you can be spared from your place of work it is

possible to

and assist for

Royals launch cam come

out

eriod of time.

To take up your five days of AT/CA entitlement, your first point of contact should be the PT Office or ship’s PTI, who can provide more information and an application form.

Or you could go online at www. englishgueslhouseconi and follow links to Bavaria Surprise; Or call 07900 443128 or 0049 8324 2290; Or email FLEET-N1 NLM PERS PAT soa (mil) or paul. a

geIlender267@mod.uk

AdventurousTrainingprogramme, Surprise is a prime example (see left).

For those in the Navy who take adventure and geography

of which Bavarian

seriously

and there are a number of Fellows of the RGS who have gone to work in a dark blue suit the Society runs its annual Explore expedition and fieldwork planning weekend from November 21-23 in London.

For more details about Explore 2008 see www.rgs.orgI Explore See next month's Navy News -»

—

for an article by P0 Paris-Hunter FRGS

Stephen

A NEW 50-second Royal Marines

recruiting film, Sremiip Anibusii,

will be launched on November 7 with the new Bond film Quanrzmi

QfSo1ace.

Over theweekends of November

personnel present in some 20 key 8 and 22, RM

will be cinema

foyers around the UK with supporting displays and trialing a new facility that allows visitors with Bluetooth phones to receive

other new RM video material.

Following its launch alongside the new Bond, the RM film will run to the end of March 2009 alongside other new films that will attract the target recruit audience of 16-24 year old men /limmiia, Cliangeiing, Set-um Poimdi‘, Defiance, and W.1n:l:iiicn.

The film will be shown throughout UK but budget constraints do not allow coverage of the London area.

A 30-second version of the film will also run on PubTV from November to March.

A series of‘RM Challenge’ ads is also planned to appear on Setanta, Dave and Virgin TV during the breaks in selected programmes watched by the target audience.

A further series of digital ads will also be appearing on selected websites throughout the period.

—

0 A shot from the new RM recruiting film Swamp Ambush The popular range of posters will appear in over 300 leisure and fitness centres in January and

February 2009.

The awtird-winning Rh/I website

www.royaImarines.mod.uk

will RM

carry further new material on ‘States of Mind’.

The previous RM recruiting campaign was launched in October 2007 and ran to March this year.

The

cinema

film,

ll’/on‘: I\"i'glimiare, was seen by more than 24 million people; the PubTV film by more than 3 million; whilst onlinc advertising was seen by over 2'3 million.

Over the course of this first phase of the campaign, the RM website received over halfa million unique visitors to the homepage.

To measure the effectiveness

of the

campaign

sample of

a

representative

16-24 year old UK men was interviewed before and after the first phase.This was supplemented by an online survey.

This revealed that awareness of RM rose by six per cent to 57 per cent of our target audience, with an encouraging six per cent increase in interest in a career with the Royal Marines.

This

new

second

campaign plans successful

start.

to

phase of

build

on

the this

I\'i-‘WY NEW-"S, OCITOBER 2008

36

-

NOTICEBOARD

Ask Jack

Where

HMS Antrim, Far East Tour 1980: Has any sailor got any photos of William David Travis who was on this tour‘? David sadly died some 15 years ago and his mother

anxiously needs

some

replacement photos.

Greenway (was

Please contact Mrs Doreen

Travis) at keithjlpbtalklallcnetor tel: 01142 664424.

HMS Arethusa: Daphne Oliver

lookboard the is

ing for anyone who served on Arethusa with her father 'Tiz Wye‘. He was a torpedo man and was on the ship i.vhen she was torpedoed in the Mediterranean. Con-

Daphne at

tact

corn or

daptirie.0I'iverfi‘bluayonder.

tel: 07747 443890.

Sub Lt Frederick Moncrietf Batten: I

researching my family history

and

am

am

trying

to find out about Sub Ll Batten. born February 27 1922. He enlisted with the New Zealand Territorial Force in June 19-10; trained with the Royal New Zealand Navy on the Phi-

lomel. Auckland in January 1942 for secondment to the RNWFAA He arrived in March 19-12. and was attached to St Vincent at Gosport. He served on Vulture at St Merryn in July 19-12 and Daedalus at Lee-on—Solenl from August 1942. On December 5. 1944 while with the Fleet Air Arm in Scotland his Firefly Z1903 stalled on approach and was burnt out. Frederick was buried on the 7th at Arbroath. Any information about Frederick. photographs or any guidance to help me to find out anything about him would be very helpful. Contact Mary Warner at bobman/2@ hotmaii.com or write to 62 Sewell Harris Close. Harlow. Essex. CM20 3H8.

HMS Curacao:

My father. Stanley

Nor-

Russell. was one of the few survivors of HMS Curacao which tragically collided with RMS Queen Mary on October 2. 1942.

1 would be interested to hear from anyone who may have known dad who passed away some four years ago or anything about the Curacao. Ironically our local doctor. Dr Arthur Coyer was on the ‘Queen’ at the time. If you can help please contact Dick Russell at dicli. russelI@virgin.net or tel: 07970 337953.

HMS Pembroke: David 'Raty' Ratcliffe man

Ci 7.

74

5‘-

served 1976-81 He

served on Ark

HMS Pembroke.

1976-78. in 4R2 mess

was at

Royal.

and was employed as a steward. He was also on Blake. Upton. Heron and Drake. He

hoping to emigrate to Australia as soon as possible but needs references from anyone

I5

that knew him. He will fill you in later with the details

—

not so much a character reference,

iusl needs people to state what we actually did as stewards? He would be very grateful for any replies who knows he could

he

—

—

be your base if you are ever out there. David Ratclrffe. 4 Berwick Drive. Fulwood. Preston.

Larics. PR2 3JS or tel: 01772 788607.

Published Poems: i know this is a very

long shot. but I am seeking information about the published poems of L/Seaman Jack Redvers Green. His service career spanned both wwf and W2. from Decem-

ber 1916 to September 1945. inc Royal Fleet Reserve from 1929 to 1939. The ships US Green served on included: Concord. Monarch. Hermes. Vanessa. Dauntless. Sultan,

Excellent. Glenroy and Harrow. The

last two

years of his service were on secondment to the Free Dutch Navy. on board MV van Ruisdael. where he wrote a poem entitled ‘The Netherlands Shall Rise Again‘ [Nederland zal Herryzen}. Another poem was published in 'Blighty. June 20. 1942'. and was entitled 'Convoy'. However. the Green family (England and Canada] believe that a third poem was published somewhere. and we would like to find out if any reader may remember this. or have a copy in their possession. As I say. this is a very long shot, but any information would be gratefully received. Please contact Mrs Debra Green at debgreen112@ hotnnailcom or tel: 01485 863010.

HMS Flothosay: Peter is hoping to find out it there was a commissioning book printed on Rothesays lirst commission’? if there was. does someone have a copy that they are prepared to let him borrow? He will pay postage and take care of it. returning it after TE\'|\'lFlglost memories. Please contact Peter

Grindon at grindon,peter€ryahoo.co.uk or tel: 01275 373521

.

NAVYNEWS

OCTOBER 2008 Malta Association: Reunion. October 6-10 at the Ocean View Hotel. Bournemouth. For details Contact Jim Lascaris

Goode

at Lasczirisrnella¢?aol.com or see

the website at http:/Iwwwlascarisassoc. bi-ilanianet.co.ukor tel: 01584 872225.

EW Branch: Reunion on October 18 at 1930 in the WD 8. SR Mess at HMS Excellent bar 8. buffet. Accommodation for serving and ex-members available. For more information contact ‘Farah' Fawcett at lazfawcettfilntlworldcorn or tel: 023 9233 3527 or Mil: rnws-wtg-ewcis6 or tel: 93825 3527.

HMS Illustrious Association: 25th anniversary reunion and 60th anniversary of Pinnace disaster takes place at the Russell Hotel. Weymouth. from October 17 to 20.

Contact Mrs Ann Lelley on 01903 771394.

Nuclear Test Sites: A reunion will take place October 17-20 at Sand Bay, Weston —

Super Mare for

all

Anny, Navy.

clilf Drive, Bournemouth. October 31 to No-

Anyone interested please contact George Creasy in Meclway on 01634 715784 vember 3.

tor full details.

Submariners Association (Derbyshire): A

coffee morning will take place on October 2:1 in the Mayors Parlour. Council House, Derby [use the Ceremonial entrance on the corner of Derwent Street]. Admission is rust 50p and includes coffee and biscuits. Contact Terry Hall. Hon Secretaryftreasurer. Submarlners Association at nobbyderbysa@yahoo.co.uk or tel: 07979 -124680. Special guests: the Mayor ol Derby and the Commanding Officer and crew of Derby's new adopted submarine. HMS Ambush. The sailors will be In uniform on a weekend visit to Derby City.

NOVEMBER 2006 HMS Sirius. F40. 66-93; The ‘Down Under‘

reunion

place

takes

November 1. Details

on

are htlp:illwwwlhmssirius.irifo or

Back Eepies

Air Force

and civilians who served in any of the British Nuclear Test Sites: Monte-Bello. Maratinga. Maiden Island and Christmas Island from 1952-64, For more details contact Jim Cooper at jim.i:ooper4@ntlworlcl.corrior tel: 01903 533768.

The Pembrokers Reunion Weekend: takes place at the Suncliff Hotel. East Over-

Plymouth available at from Andy

in

Ayres at 253-cpouw@a.dii.mod.uk or write to Andy Ayres at HMS Chalham. BFPO 253.

Ton—Class Association: Pie-Christmas

lunch at

High Wycombe

on

November29. All

BRITANNIA SHIPPING FOR BIIRIAI. AT SEA

TCA members and their ladies are invited to the lunch with raffle etc. All enquiries to Edward Freathy at edwardfreathyobtinternet. com or tel. 01628 523711.

JANUARY 2009 B41 8. 833/842 MEAs: are considering having a reunion in January 2009, 25 years after we signed on the dotted line. Exact time and location to be decided. For turther info please contact Steve Wiseman at stevewisemani's'l1hotmail.com or tel: 07979 506850.

MARCH 2009 HMS Brilliant;The 2009 reunion will be at the Livermead House Hotel. Torquay. March 27-29. For more details see the website at

http:7i‘www,hmsbrilliant.com or contact or Julie Spayne at nispayneohotmail.

Nick

com or

tel: 07789 407042.

HMS Loch Fada Association 1944-67:

12th annual reunion. March 27-30. at the Royal Renaissance Hotel. Skegness. Contact Bob Harris at bobharn'sI390@supanet. com. tel: 023 8039 1848 or see the website:

http:.i‘/www.hms-lochfada.org.uk

MAY 2009 HMS Dainty: Reunion of HMS Dainty.

May 9-11, at the Britannia Hotel. Coventry.

Contact Chris Bolton at chrsbol@noI.com or tel: 0161 773 1304. More information on the website at

http:/lwww.hmsda'inty.co.uli JUNE 2009

HMS Euryalus:

A

special reunionJAGM

and gala evening lalies place on June 5-6 at the King Chartes Hotel. Chalham. For more information contact Barbara Cotton on 012186 438-134 or Duke Ellington on 01753 230654 SEPTEMBER 2009 HMS Fisgard. Series 7 Entry, September 12 1949: Following successful reunions for 50 and 55 years a ‘Diamond Do’ is being organisecl at Jurys Hotel. Bristol for September 11-13. 2009 Book now to avoid disappointment. Contact Mick Herben at

michael_herbert@hotmail.co.i.ik 01954 250014

or

or

write to 20 Pelham

Cotlenham. Cambridge CB24 8T0

tel:

Way.

OCTOBER 2009 Lascans Malta Association: Reunion October 2-5 at the Hilton Hotel, Warwick. For details contact Jim Geode at Lascari'smaIta@aol.com or see the website

at httpu'fiivww.lascansa5soc.bri'lanianet. co.uk or tel: 01584 872225.

you now?

are

HMS Albion 1962-64: Where

are all the

original ‘Grey Ghosts‘? Currently

in

touch

original Grey Ghost

with 155 from the

Commission. Do you want to be No 156‘?

Contact Keith Ridley at hmsalbionflhotmail. com or tel: 01480 810848 or 18 Littleworth End. Oftord Darcy. St Neols, PE19 SRA. HMS Andromeda: Trying to locate Tim Symonds who was at HMS Nelson with 'Scouse‘ Lunt in the mid 1970s. Tim had a

in

wile. Kath and two sons. they Buckland. Portsmouth. Scouse

all lived was on

the Andromeda from 1988-90 before his last shore base at Nelson. Scouse is 60 in December and there will be a surprise (not if

he reads this] party on December 13. It would

be wonderful it any old shipmates could get in touch Contact Mandy Lunt at mandyfi careconnectIearn.co.uk or tel 07940 205206.

Ordinary Seaman T Bishop: Tony is looking for this Seaman or even a relative or anyone who knew him. Tony has located his medals and would like to return them.

Contact Tony Davie. RMA Basingstoke. 26 Petty's Brook Road. Chineham. Hants. RG2-1 BRW or tel: 01256 -172340.

HMS Bulwark. Albion & Centaur Association: Did you ever serve in Bulwark.

Albion or Centaur? The association is open to anyone who served at any time on these ships. Magazine three times per year plus

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

or

Speak to John

email:

Lister

01 395 568652

subscriptions@navynews.co.uk

www.buria|atsea.co.uk emai|@burialatsea.co.uk

Reporting from the Fleet

Ministry

of Defence: 0870 607 4455.

www.mod.uk

Royal Navy recruitment: 08415 607 5555. www.royalnavy.n'lod.uk Veterans Agency: 0800 159 2277. www. veleransagency.mod.uk Medals enquiries: 0800 085 8600 FIN and RM Service records: 023 9262 or

HMS HERMES Did You Serve On Her. We Have An Association, Why Not Join?

Next Reunion Plymouth 2009 April 17th to 19th

bscribe today for; 19'?

'1

ti

12 Issues

rl=:4?§”‘-

To join contact:

Richard: 01152 131697 email: richard.tipping@

'

6-

c..'9.1re.r p

posted directly to your home every month

YES, I would like to subscribe to Navy News

Region

Send the completed form and payment to:

Subscriptions, Navy News, HMS Nelson,

Queen Street. Portsmouth Hampshire PO1 3HH, England Tel: +44 (24hran5werpl1onel email: subscriptions@navynews.co.uk

n COMPLETEYOURDETAILS I

becoming a telegraphist. Leaving the service he ioined Essex conslabulary as a Police

Constable. Two former friends from our Sea Cadet days together would like to re-

establish contact with him. Contact Colin Musson. 28 Oueen Street. Cookstown.

Ontario. LOL 1L0. Canada.

HMS Ki:-ppol: Gordon recently attended

unveiling

the

ol

plaque containing the who died when HMS

a

names of the 217 men Kile was torpedcied in survivor was

was crew was

19-14. The Only

only member of HMS Keppers [the ship with HMS Kitel. and says it strange feeling realising that he was the

702356.

sponsor sea cadets lrorn our affiliated SCCs the training ship 'Royalist'. Membership is just £8 per annum. Enquiries to Leigh Easton at ngsto€1‘tiscall.co.uk or website litlpzll

www.bulwarkassoc.plus.com

or

Glenmoray. Hayford Stirling. FK7 9.1x.

HMS Collingwood: Seeking

write to

Place. Cambusbarron.

on

anyone

Apprentice Series -18 Course May 1964 and April 1966. Do

Artificer

between

you remember a New Zealander called David D'Ftose? He injured a leg whilst on the Collingwood display team iusl before

graduation. Anyone remembering anything

Margaret Snow margarets@rnzrsa.org.nz or write to

about David should contact

at

Senior Advisory Officer [Pensions 8. Welfare].

Royal New Zealand Returned And Services‘

Association. PO Box 27-2-18. Wellington.

6141, New Zealand.

Cumberland HMS

around and it so he would love to hear from you. Contact Gordon Copson at gordon. copson@ntlworld.corn or tel: 01708

Leslie Kew: Pam Holmes is seeking her dad's (George Frederick Kew] brother Leslie.

They also had a sister Doris. Leslie enlisted in the Navy from Burnham Gardens. Hayes.

Middlesex. from where he was living with the Adams family He went to Lossiemoulh for training. If anyone has any information could they contact Pamela Holmes at pamela. holmes3@ntlworId.com or tel: 0151 201 0397.

HMS Swiltsure: Kenneth Smart served in Swiltsure from 1951 to 53. He would love to gel in touch with any former shipmates.

Kenneth can be contacted

via

his

daughter

at hayIey.coombsfi{tntIworld.com or tel: 01223 514137 or write to 9 Butcher Close.

Milton. Cambridge. CB24 6ED.

Association:

Naval Families Federation: 023 9265

4374. www.nff.org.uk SSAFA Forces

Help: 08-15 1300 975.

www.ssala.org.ul( Royal Naval Museum:

023 9272 7562.

www.royalnavalmusel.im.org

Fleet Air Arm Museum: 01935 840565.

www.fIeetairarm.com

blueyonder.co.uk

July 15.

Hussey

to 845 NAS as CO

Rear Adm Ft J Ibbotson to be promoted

vice

admiral and to become

Deputy Com-

mander in Chief Fleet on April 7 2009

Competition

Royal Marines Museum: 023 9281 9385. www.royalmmannesmuseum.co.uk

FIN Submarine Museum: 023 9252 9217. www.rnsubmus.co.uk National Maritime Museum: 020 8312 5565. www.nmm.ac.uk Imperial War Museum: 020 7416 5320.

www.iwrri.org.uli

Swap drafts Logs

Pers Jenni

Canning.

would like

to swap DNR DAT Manchester

(possible

SSSAl from November 013 to November 09 for any Portsmouth area draft. Contact: HMS lIIustrious—WTl-114.

ETlWE] Clark. Currently on HMS Bangor based in Faslane. Looking lor a swap draft to Portsmouth. any shore draft. Hunt-class MCMV. Type 23 or Type 42. Must be trained in 30mm. Mkilrl and GPMG. Contact Nobby on Faslane ext 6968 or etwe-222@a.dii.mod ult.

Congratulations to the five winners of the Southampton Boat Show competition who each won a pair of tickets: Mr M Laxon, Brentry Mr A Craske. Prestatyn Mr M Pearce. Croesyceiliog C J N Young. Verwood Mrs N Hamp. Ferridown The ten winners of the Yeovilton Air Day competition were: Mr T Simpkins. Leeds Jim Silver, Ruddinglon Andrew Lee. Collompton Chris Jenkins. Portchester Mr Nicholson. Charlton Adam

Stephen Smith. High Wycombe Mrs Ann Harlow. Callington

Terry Tyacke.Trowbridge Dean Witherington. Longlevens Steve Wright,

Fiyde

Navy News on audio Navyflawslsmrallablefroootchalue ontapeorasaditalflleli-i:im Portsmouth Area Tal ng News for those with dltllcu reading normal type. Contactoza

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Blight? He came from Hornchurch and in the as a boy at Ganges.

late 1940s ioined the RN

the only one there who had witnessed the sinking. He was also wondenng it there were any other members of the Keppels crew still

Entries for the Deaths‘ column and Swap Drafts in November'sNoticeboard must be received by October 13

~|.

01325 258193.

HMS Ganges: Does anyone know the whereabouts of. or remember. Gordon

Lt Col Steve

www.rciyeI-naval-association.co.uk RNBT: 023 9269 O112tgenerali. 023 9266 0296 [grants]. www.rnbt.org.uk British Legion: 08457 725725. www. britishIegion.org.ul< RN Community: www.rncom.mod.uk

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contact Doug. ll anyone knows of Dougs address could they contact Mickey Dunne at mlchael.dunne7@ntlworld.com or tel:

on

023 9262 8667 Royal Naval Association: 023 9272 3823.

I

rate onboard HMS Ekmoulh 1968-71. got in touch with Mickey Dunne through a Forces website. Mickey has so far been unable to

Contact sheet

8779

I

information about ERA 2nd class Ronald Frederick May. HMS Gambia 194952 and HMS Cumberland 1953. Contact Sam Watson at sjwba11003@blueyonder. co.uli or tel: 0163-: 235861.

HMS Exmouth: Doug Taylor. NB TAS

events including AGM7Sor:ial. sea—days and anniversary commemorations. Whilst our 'Home Port' is Pompey. next year's AGM and Social will be at Sand Bay Holiday Village.

Weston Super Mare. Somerset We also

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NOTICEBOAR

Lt Cdr Ian Fraser, DSC VC RD and Bar. W:-.rtiriie sirbiiiiiriiier, .Atlt.>'id:>Ll HMS Cori-.'r.'iy

Il1 the Mersey and ruined the Blue 1 ll!‘l'If‘I line go rig to sea as a cadet in 1938. At the oiittjreak oi war he toned trii: Royal Navy and If3it‘iE£I.I in Royal Oak as a iiiitlshipiiiziri RN11 ltieti served ii Keith. Mon tros-3 ijl)uril<irki and Malcolrri mostly in the Atlantic. lie \'o|iii11ee.'ed tor the siihittarine st-ix-:-ct: n 194? aiiri was aivardi:-<1 ire DSC alter a year of lt\IE|lSiVE‘ operations with the subriiziririe S;il'.ib wlieii she Silflk U301 and several Axis supply sh:ps. Appointed tirst

trairii-ig ship

I-eiiteiiaiitrifl-1-1-lilieiivoliinieerizd for X~crat: iii respciise to a sigiiail for "5|}€C|£l| aiiu lithi-

ardous service with SUIJFY1i'i’|“.

Victoria Cross as ca_ot:iin o‘. the

Won the

.

idgel sub marine XK3 in Operation Strugg e. a daring a 'ir;k 0". IIIL‘ .J.'tp;irii,=.-ae tierivy {§fIllSE'.' T.‘ik

iii the Jaliore Straits. iusi betcre the end 01 World War 2. 19-15 he was appointed an O1 I'CC‘f ()1 1l".t‘: US legon oi Merit. Uiscliargecl

19.17 he remained on the Reserve list until 195i). His il1I3ltlI}lt5. Frog-rri.'iri './C. Vr'{,'!£,‘ pub listed in 195/. He was a arded the Reserve [)-ecoration w th I orig Service Bar. was v.c-:.~

ti.f.ersr.-ys.de

Branch oi the SUI]l“3lll‘.e Old Cun‘rar',es' Association and at Yoirriger Brother 01 lririity lloi;sc. Since 7002 he ‘riad I]t"£?l'l UK vice chairman of me VC.-'GCAssor.i. nri S\’.‘{)I(!I\1l)(¥rI Ai]ed 87. pres dent ot the

Anthony Albert Murphy.

Rear Admiral

Joined the RN

in

1942

t'.OSIlIlI|(-J5 only HNVH

as

rating.

Iii 19-1.1 coiiiriiissioriud iii and served as a radar ott cer at W

.rn

Ap

pruar. i:-.<.Cninrn.1iid Pro.-nntortto it.llIt‘lII'Il".I in the e'eclrir.:al I.)l'a'\Cl|. serving 1'! Vanguard

Lintil 19-19; II‘C.'1 I|'|5Ir‘.JCIO’ at Collinqwood.

Senior Divisional Otticer I'lSgL.ICll'LI, (Jliatharri

tlockyard. I3lJ'-'-"ark (Suez or-sis) and Naval

Assistiint to recto’ Naval |'|i:<:tricei' di-iiarl merit. Proriioted to i;ori~iriai-.cer 1960 and appointed Sqi.adron E‘ rical Otticer ll" Yar mouth tKuwai'.i_ /\(lii'ira.1-y Surface Weaperis ESIElI_)Il3it."t1E'l‘i18lT(J\r"/‘ESFJOIISElectrical Olticer Eagle. Promoted to ciictaiii 196! iii: st.-rvud on the staff 01 Director General Weaipo"-s at

Bath ii.-‘til 1970 when l‘e was appointed to Dr.-lunec: Proeiirc 'nt. C0 of Coilirigwond 1973 he was l).'0 cited to Fle.:-irAuiiiir;-i| 1977 5 Special Projects Dire<;tura1Diri:c1o'

era:

.

retired.

of

Aiiqirst

Weapors

9.

Aged

1977 83 wheri he

84.

Care ‘Black Sam‘ Dunlap RFA DSO. Went to sea n ‘-939 and '. an aripreiitice '

iii the Batik Lino sti:p Cedairtiairik in Bucrios Aves v.ih-an war was declared and he sailed with her for tiorite thr.-ii. l'i11ri:re M.1r\.ir-‘.I as third and then second ottice.-_ He volunteered fo' the HN but as an exper eneed deck of ticer was not released from the Bank trite until August ‘.9-13 '\'.'I1F.‘l‘l he ioirti-?d the REA.

His tirst ship

was

Cert:-trtl:ite lorryiiig [)lI lrorn

the Gulf to the Syclielli.-s tielcre ruining the Dr tisli Pacific Fleet in Sydney She sup ported the ltWaS|(J|1 pf Cikiriawa and was one of the lirst ships to enter the newly-.ibera1ecl II()l‘.g Kong in 1945. Alter hostilities. he became second oltie-3r ot Brov.-ri Ranger and later coiiiriiriiided the aviatioii lr.'iii‘ing ship Eiigadine. In ‘.977 no v.-as appointed Com. niodore oi the RFA and given COtl1'tli.-1t1(I ol the eiewi5.--co-riiiiissioiied Gold Rover: he then ooriinianded t-cirl Austin throughoiit the l'alklar1ds War loridecl lI(J'.‘.'|1 with an‘ mt.nition. l'él1‘3l‘\Il1g in San Carlos Water

cperatiiig Sea Karig helicopters sti.1.rc:tiin_q ‘or

subriiariiies: he was the lust I‘.-’-‘= ‘haul Navy oflicer to win the DS0 sinee ..'or‘d War 7. llonorary ii‘.i,-niher oi the t'lei':'. Air Arm Ollie

ers' Association. Juiy 1‘/.

Ronald George Edward Dowle. PO

(Gun lnipregriabie. Devoripcrt 1936. Sew-ed in Royal Oak l1.<336ji_ Cforiniis 1938 Sll'\i'i\r':t‘.g her si.-ikziig all No l°‘tl and being r‘ "tied by Norwegian :15 q vessel after to r days exuosiire on (Ia"ey feat in Arctic '.’Zl'.C.'S. Alter lengthy l".’7St'll1aIi satiori serv d in Priiiee C".7tr|G$ ifDiep,'ti.> r:iid 19.131. Ar.-cicliie ijfrom uunci 19.13] coiirltictiiig OIIEFSIV9 ri-iinelaying during BPF campaign; rliacmrgeti iiiedical 19-17 t'riiig.'ated to .AUSt(¢'II|EI_ ioirg-sen.-iiig member Balina Sutji lirancli. Rt-,-tirriieil Services l.i:;igiio /.PSl.'r nery

ly}.

Jo ried

'

'

and Glorious. Ardent and Acast;1lGLAFtAC'r ASSCCIBI-OD Ai.gi.s'. 6 at Cessnock NSW. Aged Eli’ Cdr Douglas Hunt DSC'. iJO|“.€CI the F’.N\.-llil in 1939 arid served in Reiiowii. part or Force H. Comiiiissioried in 1941 and

served

in

smali Cratt;

in

19-1-1

as a

sun

reti-

[t,'t‘.8‘\I he was Qic 01 M18 83 lariiiiiig ageiits on the D..".cl1 coast whe-i ti -rigaged \'.'.1li an I_‘t1t_'l1‘.y co.-ivoy oft It3(‘5‘ .5-ling, attacking he was lrustrated when both torpedoes

inislirerl. iii Sl?I)lt-.’t‘t1I)h‘r I11? was the senior otftcer 01 four ti.r.T8s IlgI|Il".g a super or lcrce of a'med trawlers ott Scheveriingen when the thin i.-rocidc-ri hull of I115 l\i'.lB 12:15

was

sntashed by a 3ii1 sriell. The rirush of water tli.-our_}li the hole iliiuserl the tlariies tiut the ruduer was lost. He continued cu-0-diiiaiiiig the attack while steering by his engines and

torpecloing

an armed trawler .'iwardi.=d El DSC arid l:lar. li119-tbtietcok tJl'lt113l'l(_I cl M18 392 and alter becoming senior OIIICG’ at 31st .‘i.l'.T['l t'lot.I|a I‘.<‘ I(‘Il’, in 19-16 to louiid thi:: -’v'iTBi‘tvlCiB O‘ 1. rs‘ J\S5OCt£'II‘Ol‘. and he or-

siicceeded

in

(it 1.503

yards:

iyriiiised

ft'!|l|1'[)l‘l5 tor

6

he

w:

the rink! 50 i,-ears.

July

Aged 91.

W01 Coxswain Simon James Slater.

Subiiiaririer. Served 19r'4-21308;

Ganges

slartvrtq

Junior Assistant Steward t).".(I i:‘abs: Periilirokc for his I).'O‘.t.

at

as a

.-..il

Fyle: Dolptiiii for siit1.'ria.-inr.- training {rated leading Stewart!) in Sparian_ ijiaieri Pol siirvr,-cl in ours and erb i'Cox5wai:i1raiii.-ii_q at Do1pliiiit.Tireless. l;i|erlt. Upholder and lratalgar. i'proniot— 1r.'.-iiiiiiig

Osprey

-

their

and

Wt) Coiiisv.-ain]. (‘.5381 WI) (301-is am and Rate gt‘. as WOSMS Ai.-rardi-ii! MEEF. tor cori-

ea

pI3l‘I1‘lIIg arid establisliirig a siil.1riiaheritage centre in Paleigh. Retired April altar :14 years Sl}l'.'|C€. Al-QUSI Aged 50.

Frank Balcombe. AB. Served in Eagle. ti/la".a Convoys (l‘edesta!;i and Vieriria HMS iagle S-.irvii-ors Association Ai_:gust 70 Agucl 8)‘ Thomas Henry Freeman. CPO. Last served Antrini and at llolphn. Ar.-ijiist 17 Aged r’-1 ce virig. rine

Lt Dennis 'Knocker' White FAA. Served

19-15 6:3. Last :‘.er\.-ed as S{.‘CCl1(‘I in COl11|‘l1t‘li".d 7539 Naval Air Sqiiarlron at HNAS R.-av.-d-,i in

Peri-.Li.-okeseiire August 13 Aged 80 Robert Bryan ‘Buckeye’ ‘Bobby’ Lewis (brother of Smiier t':e'o-.v_i. AB. Served in Corisort lY:‘ii:gs1e and Ko.-(—.-al. '/arittimri and

Veryan Bay lS<.iu1ii All;-iiititgji. February 11.

Aged 77 William George 'Smi|er' Lewis ijnrotlier or Buckeye aoci.-e]. AB. Served 19-12 ii-itii end war ill Loch I_Ui'lt(Jl‘I(I. i-ar l;;ist, iJ’e_'St;‘l1I at the sigring at Sll|'fEl‘.dt’.r o‘ lolcyo Bay. Pan of lmarrlirig riarty to tow USE? troiii Jrrliore to Lie su.-ik. Acgiist 25. Aged 82.

01

‘Dusli/'

Kenneth Senior! 19:

1:’)

.

ldg Stoker

Mcllor.

West

in

liidies

I eel.

Carado: an-.1 Meaize-ianeaii Landiiigs on t.C|. Aiigusl 30 Aged 89.

Edward Barry 'Baz' Nixon. L.-S f'>‘oi\ar'i_ Serve,-cl 1952-64 at Doipl-.iii and -ii SLlI)lT‘i:1riries V'i§“(]Lli}td. Aerieas and Otie.-on August 72.

Aged

71.

Thomas Kallachan Barn. AI 11011) In 1ererJGaiiges 1965 and served until 1982 at many estntilistinieiits and Il“. ll.‘i.1S Lonrtori: was ore oi the last serving HN pL3.’50|1|1-2! to ieave

Malta pullinri (IDWH the UFIIO“. Jack for

the last time August 20 Aged 58.

John Chapman. torpedo Man. Served 194-1 ~16 in t3'.h Destroyer I’ otillrr. Caprice.

King George V and Faulkner. Aug-iisi 30 Aged 8:1 Mike Fields. (JPE)l\.’iA. Served 1961-83 in Gr:-itton_ Intrepid. Minerva and at FINH

Storiutiouse. Supti.-riiber r‘. Aged 85.

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Dick Fullord. PO Writi:r. Served 19-lU—

Anson and Kent Market llartaoro-ugh Aged SJ1.

Mick Bogus. Past secretary South Liverpoo. hr'Ql‘.CI1.Jlli\/' 31. Aged 6‘.

Ernie Holtby Radar o;.i. HMS tsurr: Sen.-ed 1943-46 in Paci c. Swiftsure asso-

vtfi

in

Iltllltljh. July

Trevor 'Henry‘ Hooper. CPO Siinrn:-mner.

Si-rveit 1958-83 |{)li".lllt] at Cuiiirjus and serviiig on b'UU'IILif‘.I!(:‘S Astute. Aclierori, Tl‘erniopolae. Valiant and in later years Hr-r:ii‘se :'lt‘.tI Re-.-eiige I.S§tl:rl crev.-st at lsislaiie; tinally

Devc-npcrt. Plymouth Si.-ptciiiner 8 A[.}ed E35.

sLibii1ariite stores at

RNA.

SUBMARINERS ASSOCIATION

J D ‘James’ Carter. (3118. Served 1940-54

Supra-no.

E-)eanyn‘ph_ Alderney. Tarita’iis. Seascoiit. in

subrriarini:-s Cachalot. Thrasher.

Sicinn. Ir(:l"C!\(ll1i ano |'a'Cnt

Coichestcr.

Aged 8/

F ‘Frank' Golding. Ck Served

rin-3

Scythian. I.Ol".GDI'\ braroh.

SLiI).'l1iI'

I‘1

D C 'Don‘ Lydon. ltvtr. Served 1958 70 siibrnarines Totein, Astute and Osir s.Loi1~ don and N. lreiaiid brziiicties. Aged /2.

A M K 'Tony’ Morgan. Al:l CL. Served

in

195-1 57 in siibniarines 1.rad-:-- rid i'PI!,i Alarii; 15-1 571 Welsh hraneh Agi:-it T6.

ASSOCIATION OF

FIN

OFFICERS

C!c<:p;it'.'i arid GIItl110.'gi1t1.

Cdr P T Bryant. Served in Aurora. Nile.

Raleigli. Gravelines, Sirius. Tamar. Vigo. Sultan. and

Victory.

in Stopford.

Berrry Hi.-ad. iliesetis. Niitliatcli. Aiort. Bellercption. Backcati. Aphrodite and Presi-

Cdr R L Edwards. Served

17 yea's.

August

15.

Scarborriugli HNA past

Agr.-(182.

Capt J R Gower DSC. S“l'V(:d in 0.101311 E.‘l£'ciL]€IIl. Barliaiii_ Stiropsli-re. St Vincent.

t‘\|IJury, Bi.-duirirz. Orwell, l;;i:on College.

Hightlyer. Del.-oiishre. Presid-:-rit. Diana and Gaiiges Lt Cdr H Walker. 5}-arvecl

in

Goldciest.

Murray. Coliirigwoctl. Lion and President Cdr l A S W1:-dclerburn. Served in Aiaix.

Malabar. Boxer. Dryad, Tyne. Eagle. Terror ."lt‘.(I llerori.

ALGERINES ASSOCIATION

Sub Lt Robert Prall. Sr.-rvi,-it Aged 85.

Peter J Tooloy. Oi]. Served

iii

Ossory.

in

loyalty.

Sweeney. l/S-g Sen-ed

in

1 EI|1l‘.0X.

in

Marvel.

Aged

83.

Alan

May 31

Peyton. Sig. Served Aged (9

William

July

ti).

Fred Potter. Abie Seantari. Served

in

Peloriis August 8 Ai_';er.l 87.

Thomas Mackie. L180-a Served in Arcturus and Fly. August 21. Aged 8/.

Roy Wilson. Sto.Mecli. Scmezt in Pickle.

August ??. Aged

81.

L1 Jim Jarman RNVR. SE:rvi;'d in St K‘I\’IFl. August 2]’ Aged 84.

Flon Chaslon. Std. Served in Nerissa Au-

gust

27.

Aged

81.

William Mitchell. Wtr. Served Aiigiist 30 Aged 81.

in

Pickle.

Sports lottery

lloya‘ liidiari Navy, ltieseiis and Seatorc l.1raneh.Aiigiist5.Ag9d BB.

6:;

Alert

Bertram Allred Forrest. SAMt FAA Nuriea brancli. August 13. Aged 80.

Lt ‘Bi|l' Clark. .J:iine<l |l.‘i.‘lS Gaiiqes as a Day 1935: .'iiai'i's time cornriiencecl 15137 tiecoriiirig an olticer 19-:6. Served in Poy;-il Soveri: git. Nelson. Victory. G‘;isgow_ Drake. lftinghan1_ [).i din l-loyal Oak tsiirvivor of Slllkl 12-. Cu ll1L‘. Triiscziii. Gztiiiti-:1. Sui.sex. Coll iigwcod. Duke of Ycrk. Terror, Sea 1 ar_7‘e. ll:ir‘.l:iririPoint. Hook, Adariiant and tic-iloropiioii. Petirrirl 1969. Prosiricrii Lon» dovderry praricli. August 17. Aged 89.

Gwen Price. toriiier B;isi|d:Jn ti';irich so-

seeretari,-. August 17. Agr.-rt 7?.

Doris 'Dotti' King, Associate iii-eiiiiier Plyriioutti t.irarich. August 1 1. Aged 85.

Charlie Howell. Served in Word War 9 in HMS Kllllttt-.‘ri|'.’y Oswi,-stry hrriitcli Aiigiisf 8 Aged 83.

Peter Wicks. frinton and Walton. August cial

77.

L1 Jim Jarman RNVR. Servers l.oi:hai‘ort.

Mediiiu. Armadillo. St Kildti. LBE -19 and 4/

during Normandy landings. lrzwirig n£?(IlJIi' ~: barges at Nomi y. Alger and Chishestcr HNA. Audit. ‘

.

Author o1 War [)L!1lt7.ll(:E‘!~‘i ul ‘

~

27.

Association

Aged 8-1

Pearson. l.’._ l.‘\./lji 1948-60 at Ganges and in Co us I[)Ur1dI£Il1£I. City 01 IlWL'.'tR_'5E- RNA Mike P

.

her 6.

Aged

August 16: i“.i.C-CU Mnc M Gagliardini.

4!: Cdo RM: 51.500 CPOCT D L Fulshaw.

RAF n=r_iby-; E500 Lt K A Hurtey. |Vll)l|LJ --

-

Lt Cdr R L ‘Ted’ Edwards. Served 1938-

77.

October 1968 A Russian presence added unexpected realism to a NATO maritime exercise which was taking part from the North Sea to the Atlantic coasts. More than 100 ships and aircraft of nine nations took part in the manoeuvres, which were shadowed by Soviet reconnaissance bombers, in association with seven ships. Nevertheless. the constant surveillance from the vessels provided the NATO forces with an excellent training opportunity.

King helicopter of 814 Squadron turned into a different type of vessel after it ditched in the sea while returning to HMS Hermes from Plymouth. A major gearbox oil leak caused the helicopter to hit the water. but the skill of the pilot. Lt Keith Dudley, kept the HMS Sea King upright and floating.

A Sea

Derriforil.

August 28: 25.000

—

LLogs S N Harley.

B15 NAS: i."..‘.iU.’J CPOAWT D M Cross.

HI‘./S Moritrose; £‘5L.'U Cdr M Goldthorpe. lll.-‘S Pcoke August 30: t.‘5.Ct]{] POMEA J J Farrell.

HI‘/S Norlliuriiberlaiidz C1503 Sub Lt O J Shepherd, HMS l:dintJurqti; £‘5(l0 LSA C A ~

—

-

—

~

Fraser-Shaw. NAl 1 Iraq.

September

€5,000 Lt I W Thomson.

MWC Portso fl .500 OMC2 L M Hine.

HMS r\.4i3l"CI‘.t'b«B'. E500 Mne S Town. =10 -

-

—

Lido HM

September

MEM2 C W DllIIflQI1(’Il\,I'IMSTrafalgar: 531.500 MA1 P J 13:

'

C-[1

--

Whitney. HMS L.an.;aster. E500 Wilson. HMS Sultan.

—

MEM D A

HMS Active

(pictured right)

called upon to provide disaster relief in the Caribbean in the wake of Hurricane Gilbert. The ship's work included clearing debris, re-roofing buildings. helping restore power supplies and providing thousandsof hot meals to the devastated regions. was

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-

Association of Royal Navy Officers

=::IlI'l|nlfluIq>

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tin

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Iflfifiqfiil-Ifill-III-.lrIoi.-[Lt

11.:-11 -jiijj-mqlmfix

Aug ion-u-n-Iuuuqi.

in-nus?!

PASS IT ON! WE NEED YOUR EXPERIENCE IN RECRUITING

Served

..

Sep!i_=rr1-

The Captain of Naval Recruiting is currently seeking RN and RM W05, Senior Rates and SNCOS to work as Careers Advisers in Armed Forces Careers Offices around the UK.

Paul Cutler. Asseieiate tilt-'..".1I)&‘.l’ i'ei<—Ariiiy]

and CC|1‘tt1|IIBelt1E‘t1DE£l SWElf'h;;tt11. per 1. Aged 72.

'r -‘

dent

.

ciatioii and chairmrin

53':

and

Capt Applcyard-List. Served in Clieviot. I‘./I8.r_yi0|’l. Bermuda. Kent. Merc.iry.

J C

Septem-

Enlist on full-time Reserve Service Limited Commitment employment in a specific location.

Initial three year contract with possible two year extension.

FTRS rates of pay apply and pensionable).

(reviewed annually

CA3 from £26,363 rising to CA1 up to £38,754 with effect from 1 April 08.

THEN JOIN THE ROYA‘ NAVY

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more

contact

T: 08456 07 55 55 OR VISIT ROYALNAVY.MOD.UKIRNR

ROYAL

NAVY

RESERVES

'.

5

37

i

AND ADVICE

LEASE CALL 94374 3172

fin “[*°;‘i?i“-"E51.°l‘l»”o“?’

ROYAL

NAVY

'

J

NAVY NE\\I"S, OCTOBER 2008

38 J

«RESEITLEMENT

Sharpen

ACCOUNTS I@I

the RFA

With Government funding support

rently recruiting

Offer applies SE England only.

Limited Availability Apply NOW

specialisations:

Winchester Learning Centre (01962) 842266 Eastleigh Learning Centre (02380) 013253 PITMAN Centre (Brighton) (01273) 220229

Global

With

HARBOUR MASTERS

Electronic 8: Communications Engineering, in addition to relevant RN experience, yott could be a Systems lingineer Officer.

Responsible for electronic systems from navigation to propulsion, you could be working in any part of the ship repairing faults and maintaining equipment to the highest standard and keeping equipment such as sonar, guns and rocket launchers operational.

RN Ratings with relevant expericnce will need to pass A113 and attend short courses at BRNC and HMS Sultan.

Medical Technicians As art Rl-‘A Medical Tcclinician you would be responsible for the provision of all aspects of emergency, primary and occupational healthcare on board RFA ships at sea worldwide.

You will be used to working alone and unsupervised.

Candidates should hold indate Advanced Life Support.

Defibrillation, pre-Hospital Care and First Aid Instructor qualifications. The ideal candidates will be ex—RN .\-‘ledical Branch Senior Rates.

There may also be openings for qualified Ratings in other branch-

25th November

FOR ALL INVOLVED IN PORT MARINE SAFETY MANAGEMENT

4-’OCD‘~dGl'JI§Li2\)

DISTANCE LEARNING

Programme

COURSE DIRECTOR: Rear Admiral Bruce Richardson RN (Field). (8. FNI

"'

rs

following

The (nurse rnnlenrili ore well written, easy to read, sumiirr and relevant to

contemporary operations ‘in

es

-—

deck, engineering, catering or

communications.

For further information

application form, phone

or an

RFA 08456 Ol» 05 20

VIP:

Recruitment on or visit ria.mod.uk.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary’ is

LM1091.'NavyNews

equal opportunities employer.

an

proud.

New Zealand Royal New Zealand Navy responsible for the maritime

THE is

defence of New Zcaland and operates throughout the Pacific and South Asia.

The .\l-aty is

expanding, with six

brand new ships arriving over the next [2 months, which means it is

recruiting personnel with current

previous military experience from the UK right now. (‘.l’0;\-l'l‘(l’)Tim Clubb joined or

the RNZN last year and is

now

serving as a Marine Engineer.

Tim said: “Alter 22 years in the Royal l\'a\y I needed a new challenge and when I saw the RNZN recruiting ad I decided to apply."

“The Rt\'Z.\‘ is small in

parison to

HM.\l7.S

.-\«l:1nawaItui

“I love every minute of it and

have absolutely no regrets about the move.

“If you want more opportunities, brand new ships, shorter

deployments

(picmrcd

tibozej. which is a purpose-built diving support ship. I have entlorsctl my qualifications and am attending my Charge Qualifyiiig Course,

to more

interesting

places, It relaxed family Friendly atmosphere and to be based in this is for you!" one home port —

Lt Dave Barr also ioined the RNZN last year and is the Navigator onboard HMNZS Endeavour.

Dave said: “Since being in .\''Z I‘ve been exploring the North Island: visiting the Bay of Islands, skiing at .\-‘lt Ruepehu and generally having ti fantastic time.

"That’s the ethos of the R.\'Z?\'

com-

the RN, but this makes for a relaxed atniosphere.

“It’s a much more flexible and friendly place to work.

“Your opinion, wants and needs definitely count for more."

“I am currently posted to

the end of work it's down tools and lie-ad out to enjoy the lifestyle... we work to live!

"For zt young and single person there‘s so much opportunity to experience new things in the Rl\'Z.\l."

If you also want to have a great time in NZ then look at the website www.navy.mi|.nz/join-us/ uk or give them a hell on +049 445 5071. at

-

.\-lartin l.adt‘l. formerly a captain in the Royal Navy and now director of the Hampshirebased training company Brighter Prospects Limited. engaged in the Skills Accounts project said: “These are the very good reasons why people should be opening an Skills Account today.”

The Learning and Skills Council comment that learning something new could be your first step towards earning more money and opening tip new opportunities for you. .\-lartin continued: “\‘~.”e were selected by the Learning and Skills Council to be one of the training providers in the Skills Accounts trial in the south-east of England, “The Skills Account scheme is restricted to the south—east region as a pilot and to certain areas in the north-west of England too.

“Courses can then be spread over six to IE months depending upon your choice of qualification flexi-hours and learning

frequency.”

Martin added: “The Brighter Prospects Limited Partnership

specialist qualifications backed up by high offers

level

two

3

quality Pitman Training of which

some

can

0-‘

partially learning, allowing study ir1—centre,

wholly

at

home

or

work." them a call

or at

Just give

co.uk.

L *1

$65 '‘’'~—

.-

-

'.*.{.'E‘;l

‘’

FURTHER INFORMATION There may also be openings for qualified Ratings in other branches deck, engineering, catering or communications.

—

.*

‘in.

"

"y-

,‘ 5'‘.?' ‘§

To find out more or for an application form. phone RFA Recruitment on

WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR THE FOLLOWING SPECIALISATIONS:

or

SYSTEMSENGINEER OFFICERS With a minimum of HNC in Electrical 8: Electronic Engineering or Electronic & Communications Engineering, in addition to relevant

email

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is

opportunities employer.

an

equal

Royal Navy (RN) experience, you could be one of our Systems Engineer Officers. Responsible for electronic systems from navigation to propulsion, you could be working in any part of the ship repairing faults and maintaining equipment to the highest standard and keeping equipment such as sonar, guns and rocket launchers operational. RN Ratings with relevant experience will need to pass AIR and attend short courses at BRNC and HMS Sultan.

MEDICAL TECHNICIANS As an RFA Medical Technician you would be responsible for the

provision of all aspects of emergency, primary and occupational healthcare on board RFA ships at sea worldwide. You will be used to working alone and unsupervised. Candidates should hold in-date Advanced Life Support, Defibrillation,pre-Hospital Care and First Aid Instructor qualifications. The ideal candidates will be ex-RN Medical Branch Senior Rates.

or

e-mail

martin|add@pitman-winchester.

5 .‘

V" COULD YOU use THE SKILLS YOU HAVE ACQUIRED in THE ROYAL NAVY IN A CHALLENGING SECOND CAREER WITH THE RFA?

courses,

be studied by distance

l

‘.

I

can

A level 3 qualification does much to improve promotion and employment prospects and is an achievement of which you can be

I

,

skill

a new

development,

minimum of HNC in

a

mar-

you the edge. indicate your commitment to learning and show you are taking charge of your own

or

2008-2009

Course

give

Electrical&EleetronicEngineering

Commences:

DIPLOMA FOR

for the

competitive

ket. studying for

Systems Engineer Officers

—

Atadetriy

IN TODAY'S

COULD you use the skills you have acquired in the Royal Navy in a challenging second career with the RFA? The RI-‘A are cur-

Enrolling now for IT Technical (A+; MCSA I MCSE I CISCO) & Administration Diplomas (L3)

@

up your skills

'

AUXILIARY

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008

Open your

with eyes the OU

thought about studying for a degree but EVER

wondered how you would fit it in with your duties?

Studying for a degree with the Open University (OU), whether it’s for your

Forces,

to

give

in the Armed for personal interest or _vou a competitive edge in career

the civilian workforce, is flexible and can be fitted around your schedule.

More than 4,000 Service

personnel

are

currently benefiting

from OU'S first-class the distance learning facilities and its established partnership with the Armed Forces.

Not only can you sit your exams overseas, _vou will also be eligible for funding (the 0C is ELCapproved) and you onl_\' pay UK prices for the courses, wherever your duties may take you.

To make life easier, the OU sends you all your course materials and you have the support of a tutor throughout your studies who you can contact by phone or email.

How long you [akg to cgnjplmc your degree is up to you if your work commitments need to take priority for a while, your degree won't stiffer.

The OU offers a wide range of degrees and qualifications and you can Choose from over —

580

and >'CIc'nCcs_ and mathematics and

from

areas

m="_mscI_m‘nt« engineering

subject

in

courses

business _

to

5“‘3"‘l '5C1°“‘3"-'5The OU also have a range Of such quallf'C3T_'0n5 1110 1:<3Und9l1l7n Degree SP0”; Flfnfi-55 and Health and the Foundation Degree in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), which allows take to you undergraduate studies while you ‘_

arc

531-\.ring_

If you are and planning

life,

,

leaving

the forces

in civilian OLJ qualification, which is

an

a career

widely respected by many major L.mp|0y,_.,.5 and recognised by will ensure many professions you are well positioned to start on _

—

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\lC"hatever _vour motivations the OU 15 here m hclp -Wu achlcw

potcmml yolfilf [0

filjd out how

C

and

Lhc 01"

,

can

l_“;‘:‘u_;_°_";’S1;)n‘:a‘_‘’_’° lr';i"‘:dloE::C;: 3

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I0 fund (ELC). training while in service and up to ten years after leaving the service.

Em, Your seagoing experience is useful RESETTLEMENT

DO you have experience of marine operations?

Looking for your next career move? Interested in a shore-based management position which will exploit your skill base?

Then training to become a Harbour Master could be your next step. Harbour Masters are a key member of the management team within a port, with responsibilityfor the marine functions of ports, terminals and harbours.

With at least one harbour master in every Commercial and recreational port across the world, from Aberaeronto Zuara, this is a truly international career opportunity.

An ideal entry route is the Diploma for Harbour Masters course, which is currently enrolling for the November 2008 intake. The course is undertaken by distance learning

recommend the course to anyone serious about running their own

business.

“Prepare for success!”

Greg was so inspired by Course

founders former R.MP Lee Sansum and former Para Lee Matthews whose businesses turnover in excess of [1 million per year, that he is now preparing to run his new business full time.

from the UK Harbour Masters Association and is also supported by the International Harbour Masters Association, amongst other bodies.

To find visit out www. more ibcglobalacademycom/hm,or call Alamgir Ahmed on +44 (0)20 7017 5804 or email

emergency response.

diploma also trains participants in today’s pilotage and VTS operations, financial budgeting as well as the additional daily tasks The

challenges faced by Harbour Masters.

If you're looking to progress or kick-start your career in the ports industry, this course and

a|amgir.ahmed@lnforma.com.

Quote reference VIP No: L.\-ll09l.-“Navy

will fulfil your needs.

On successfully completing the course,

participants gain

an

Martial instructor

GREG Alison, former Royal Marine Commando and now .-\v‘lctropolitan Police Officer, is turning a passion for boxing and martial arts into a new exciting career as a professional instructor.

Greg hooked up with two former soldiers who run the L2 Martial Arts Instructor Training Course and following the five-day course this is what he had to say.

“I have recently completed the L2 Martial arts instructor training course, and I can honestly say it exceeded my expectations.

“The whole process of launching your own martial arts school is systematically explained and drilled into you.

“It‘s easy to see why the instructors are the top martial arts entrepreneurs in the UK. I would

diploma. providing an internationallyreeognised qualification.

The course is recognised by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency as a professional foundation and development distance—learning course, it qualifies for 100 Continuing Professional Development points

allowing you to study at your own pace whilst continuing your current job.

Designed to meet the international knowledge needs of the modern Harbour Master it covers all aspects of port safety and security management, the direction of vessels and recreational craft, supervision of staff, and

academically-accredited News,

Martial Arts lnstntctnr Training Ex Military Instructors

The Martial Arts Industry is crying out for former Service

people especially Royal .’\-larines who can use their military training and experiences to teach the civilian community discipline,

work and fitness and become a role model for their community.

Greg commented: “I am looking forward to working for myself and having the freedom to spend time with my family.

Also being ex-military I get the added bonus of being personally mentored by the two Lees, and getting access to continuation training weekends, adventure training weeks and trips abroad with a network of ex-military guys who are all instructors with the Military Martial Arts Association.

The martial arts industry has seen phenomenal growth over the last ten years and is set for even more growth over the next ten.

This could bt a great opportunity for Marines who have some martial arts, self defence or boxing skills who are resettling into civilian life and would like to run their o\vn fu|l—time business or operate a part-time martial arts school.

BU_UK Ul\lT_Ufl:HE‘RE5II]_El\lTIAL

LE Martial 'Arts' In5tructur'|:uur5e l\ll]W -_-§

team

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At The Open University we're world leaders in helping people balance professional study with the demands of everyday working life. In fact, over 70% of our students balance study with working life.

You can gain both immediate, practicalknowledge and long-term career qualifications.

We'll give you the flexibilityto manage your studies and help is just an email or call away.

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The OU is an approved ELC

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'39

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Training

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Open

The

NAVY NE\V'S, 0(I'I'()BER 2008

f%\'§-- RESEITLEMENT

..,.V‘

3.‘

_

‘

.-,.-- ;

.

Rom"; NAVY. RE

THEN JOIN THE AND GET MORE

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Thl-Royal Navy Reserves can offer a whole range___ of opportunities from travel to gaining new qualifications all while getting paid!

'

-

To find out

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more contact:

T: 08456 07 55 55 OR VISIT ROYALNAVY.MOD.UK}RNR

KG 5"‘ ROYAL

”""" RESERVES

PASS IT ON! The Captain of Naval Recruiting is currently seeking RN and RM W05, Senior Rates and SNCOs to work as Careers Advisers in Armed Forces Careers Offices around the UK.

CA3 from £26,363 rising to CA1 up to £38,754 with effect from 1 April 08.

C-1

""'

information and advice on current vacancies please call pstn: 01929 403172 mil: 94374 3172

For

more

_

NAVY .\lEW'S, OCTOBER 2008 :1 V.

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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008

42 ‘ER

SEA CADETS

Missing

Sea Scouts are back lI'0llI the Willl8I‘ll8SS

boat is

spotted on

SIX Sea Scouts have returned home

A CHANCE encounter on a motorway has led to the return of some property which was stolen

safely after tackling the

Canadian wilderness.

The 16 and 17-year-old members of the Knowle group travelled to Winnipeg where the_v were met b_v the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba.

The team then headed a long way north to Red Lake, the base camp from which they paddled 1'30 miles through a vast network of lakes and rivers, including treks of more than 25 miles

through dense woodland.

More than

500kg of kit,

including tents, cookers, food and

survival gear, had to be carried.

No bears were spotted, but mosquitoes and leeches had taken their toll by the time the scouts headed back to civilisation and a reception hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

Their tour ended with visits to Niagara Falls, the CN Tower in Toronto and Canada's Wonderland theme park.

Apart from ticking the relevant box for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards, the expedition also included an environmental improvement project and the study of an ancient pictograph site pictographs are amongst the earliest forms of writing.

—

Bristol unit retains

prized Iiurgee

BRISTOL (Avonmouthlunit has retained the burgee which the cadets won last year and are —

now

planning for an

test next

This

even

stiffer

year.

year’s unit review,

undertaken by Lt Cdr Alison Fowler RNR, District Oliicer for the Avon District, was described

by Bristol CO Lt (SCC) Barbara HillierRNR as being like a school's OFSTED inspection.

Bristol held a pennant in 2006, which signifies a place in the top of the Corps, but replaced that last year with a 50 per

cent

burgee, which marked a step

up to the top ten per cent of units.

The unit review included an

inspection of the cadets, after

which Lt Cdr Fowler and her stalT examined the activities of the unit and the promotions and qualifications gained over the past year.

The lads and lasses ofTS

Enterprise

looking forward swimming gala, the TrafalgarNight dinner, the are now to a

Festival of Remembrance at the Colston Hall in November, and a potential visit to see the Blackpool illuminationsas guests of the local unit TS Penelope.

M62

from the Sefton unit earlier this year.

The unit’s rigid inflatable boat and trailer, 18 canoes, paddles and spray decks were stolen in April when thieves forced their way through a security fence and metal doors into the cadets‘

headquarters.

O

Basingstoke and Deane cadets on their trip down the River Thames

Hiilfll‘Illlll tests BPBW

from the Basingstoke and Deane unit TS Mary Rose have taken a cruise down the River Thames though it wasn’t quite as relaxing as it sounds.

CADETS

—

The

sponsored pull proved

interesting diversion from the village fairs, school fétes and training weekends which the

an

cadets attend in force.

Their journey down the Thames from Reading to \‘("indsor over a

weekend

saw

them

cover

32 miles and traversed ll locks,

stopping overnight at the Marlow unit TS Apollo on the Saturday and being hosted for lunch at the Maidenhead unit on Sunday.

The sponsorship money is still

New X0 at Carron PETTY Officer Sean Fraser has been appointed First Lieutenant

of the Stonehaven unit.

Previously the Unit Training Officer, Range Officer and First Aid Instructor for TS Carron, PO Fraser took

over

from unit

stalwart Lt Morag Reid, who after ten years as Officer in

Charge of Stonehaven and then

First Lieutenant has now stood down.

But that is not the end of her involvement with the Stonehaven cadets, and she promises she will be around to play her part.

Meanwhile four members of staff and ten cadets were involved in the National CombinedRegatta, ensuring that an enviable record is maintained.

Stonehaven has now represented Scotland and North England at the ‘Nationals’ for a 48th consecutive time a record they believe is unmatched by any other unit in the Corps.

—

being collected but already

more

than [500 has been banked.

KCPO (SCC) Peter juul, the OiC of Basingstoke unit, and PO (SCC) Bruce Wake both received awards from Basingstoke Community Forum.

The Special Achievement Awards were presented by the Mayor of Basingstoke Cllr George Hood, himself an ex-sea cadet.

The Mary Rose Trust in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard invited the unit to provide a guard during the annual memorial service to those who died when Henry VIII‘s flagship foundered off Southsea in 1545.

The Mary Rose was one of the most powerful warships in the world at that time, but she had undergone major refits and rebuilds throughout her life, which resulted in design faults.

There is no definitive answer as to why she sank, but it is thought that as she sailed out into the Solent to meet a French fleet she heeled over in a gust of wind and water poured into her lower gunports, which were barely four feet above the waves.

The memorial service was held in Portsmouth Cathedral in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth.

The Trust then invited the cadets to the Dockyard to visit the ship and museum.

Last month unit CO AXCPO Ken Griffiths SCC was driving along the M62 when he spotted a familiar-lookingboat under tow in the opposite direction.

He switched direction at the

junction

and followed the driver for around 40 miles until the man, realising he was being next

followed, drove into

cul—de—sac

a

in the back streets of Manchester.

Ken had already alerted the police, who turned up in force to speak to the driver.

The matter is now in the hands of Merseyside police for further

investigation.

ei'"r;.ws~e

“After a

quick once-over I

some bits were

found

damaged and others

missing, but nothing that can't

be

sorted," said CPO Griffiths.

"It's just a pity they didn't have

my

canoes as

well..."

Blackburn still wait...

MEMBIERS of the Blackburn unit will have to continue to meet at a changing room at the local reservoir while plans for a new

HQ are pursued.

A report in August's .\-'ut~_v i\'e:e.v

told of an award for unit CO Lt Gavin Redhead, quoting from the citation which spoke of a new HQ

building.

But according to unit management committee secretary Eileen Eastham, plans have been scuppered by a clause which grants planning permission with the proviso that the proposed

building (costing

over

£100,000)

be demolished and the site returned to its former state in five years time.

Captain tours minesweeper

V

THE VIP visitor steps aboard your ship just as a mechanical fault causes total power failure.An exercise maybe? Show the top banana how you cope in a crisis?

In the case of the former Ton-class minesweeper HMS lveston. it was probably just an age thing.

Whatever the reason. Capt Jonathan Fry. Captain Sea Cadets, was able to witness at first hand the can-do attitude of the Corps as the DMEO oi the old ship. CPO Dickson. slipped off to sort things out.

Capt Fry, who provides

operationalleadershiptothecorps, is a serving MEO and professional

head of the ME sub-branch.

But he never trained aboard the Navy's ‘small ships‘ and said he was glad he didn't, looking at the cramped confines of the old ship.

Iveston is now owned by the Thurrock unit, while other units from Essex and beyond also visit for extensive training.

Capt Fry's visit to Tilbury was a personal one though his professional curiosity meant he did get a good look at the engine room during a ship's tour with Thurrock X0 and MEO Lt (SCC) George Wilson RNR (pictured on left with Capt Fry).

Not only did Capt Fry say he enjoyed his visit. but he also volunteered to return to help maintain the ship an offer gratefully received.

He also plans to visit again early next year when a marine engineering course will be held on the ship.

—

-

-

O Bethan Halliday in HMS CIyde's sickbay practising cannulation on a training arm under the watchful eye of LMA Brown

Bethan samples life on the Clyde

MOST students of the Falklands

Community College do work experience in the community; some venture

further afield.

15-year-old

Bethan

Halliday

made the most of her link withTS Endurance she has been with the Falkland Islands unit since the age of ten to undertake work experience in HMS Clyde.

Although Bethan's family run a —

—

bakery in Stanley, making logistics is a possibility,Bethan is interested

medical assistant.

After an interview with Lt Cdr Jonathan Lett, C0 of Clyde, in

a career as a

Bethan’s work

experience

was

and she joined the ship on a routine six—day patrol.

Bethan spent much of her time with Clyde’s ‘Doc’, I_..\IiA Graham

approved

Brown, undertaking a variety of tasks, from sickbay administration

to

casualty exercises and first aid.

Lt Cdr Lett said: "lt has been a pleasure to have Bethan on board and she has been a credit

family, her school and to TS Endurance," adding that her application to join the Navy would to

her

have his full support.

Ship of the Month

—

p12

NAVY NE\X/S, OCTOBER 2008

-13

%~—_

SEA CADETS

s“aAgmm day with

Areas clash at Excel national

S3 Great Britain

regatta

CADETS from Cardiff, along with P0 Allison \Vl"ard and Trainee Instructor Sue Griffiths, have visited SS Great Britain in Bristol.

TEAMS from the North of England and Scotland travelled south to take on the might of the other regions in the Sea Cadets National Combined Regatta.

as a venue at

the 2012

Games.

The

Olympics

winning teams were (Northern team in bold italic): Boat pulling: Eastern Open Boys: (Northampton), Peterhead 4th; Junior

Boys: North \Vl"est (wallasey), Dalbeattiel Greenock 5th; Open Girls: Southern (Salisbury),

Greenock 2nd; Junior Girls: South West (Port Talbot), Peterhead 7th; Yolez Southern (Ramsey!

Littlehampton), East Kilbride

Sth;

Overall: Southern, Northern 6th.

Boathandling:

Overall: North \VC’estr"South \‘i"est, Northern —l-th.

Canoeing: Open Boys:

Northern Ireland,

Northern 2nd; Open Girls: SouthWest,Northern

6th; Junior

Boys:

South

‘west,

Northern 3rd; Junior Girls: South West, Northern -lth; South West, Northern

Oveaall: 7t

.

Overall Regatta Winners:

South W».-st, Northern 7th.

Bell Davies Ftace Winners: Northern Area (Cdr Colin Redstone, Lt Ethel \l(-’ilson, S.-" Lt Adam Ranklin, Trainee Instructor Adam Simpson, Civilian Instructors Elaine Anderson and Jen Hines).

Certificate

presented

of TS Portland were on duty to receive a special certificate from the Royal British MEMBERS

Legion.

Cadets from the Winsford, Middlewich and Northwich unit looked on as the chairman of the W"insford branch of the RBL, t\/lr O'Brian, handed a Certificate of

Affiliation to unit

Ollicer PO

Commanding

John Trangmar.

Those who attended included

AC Turner, OC Steele, Lt

Lloyd

RNR, PO Long, AC Steele and

AC Maddocks.

buses‘.

Once

in Bristol’s Dockyard the cadets

the

International camp IS ‘outstanding SUCCESS’

ship

from the keel

one

of

‘bendy

Historic

explored

upwards,

AN

little

to

more

attempt

their way

the

to

During a talk on Victorian etiquette, cadets demonstrated theirskills by folding table napkins into the Bishop’s Mitre and Rose, much to the delight of the steward conducting the talk.

The Welsh cadets also

met

Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself well, that’s who he claimed he —

—

and the great

man

launched in Bristol in 1843.

built with

iron hull and screw and was powered by a an

propeller, huge l,()00hp steam engine.

Her maiden voyage to the US smashed the existing transatlantic

speed record, and by the time she

abandoned in the Falklands in 1937 she had clocked up almost a million miles, many of them on the long voyages between the UK and Australia.

She was salvaged in 1970 and brought back from the South Atlantic to Bristol.

was

The event, which is hosted by members of the IMC in rotation, usually takes the form of a sailing

organisation

on

300ft—l0ng ship, which displaced over 3,000 tons, was

Naval Cadet summer Camp was hosted by the UK at Pier Cellars, a Naval facility near Torpoint, under the International Maritime Confederation (IMC) umbrella.

decided

their horses Crimean War.

in her

The

European

the link

steamship

to

was

John McAnally.

camp, but this year the

heyday, including the birth of a baby, a surgeon conducting an operation, first-class passengers relaxing in the lounges and soldiers tending the

answered their questions about the ship which he designed, his life and the fashions of the day.

SS Great Britain was a technological marvel when she

international cadet

The

ship includes a number of vignettes of everyday life aboard The

was, anyway

RNA,

in the UK,

something a

ambitious.

Laura is a trailblazer

aged 15-19, from Austria, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Ireland and the Almost 40 cadets,

UK represented by Sandbach School CCF and Portrush unit were given a series of challenges both on and off the water.

There was the expected; sailing —

—

llm Daler yacht, crewing a 12m powerboat and surfing.

They took dinghies and RiBs

an

far as Plymouth breakwater, while there was also canocing in as

Kingsand Bay.

But there was the unexpected as

well rock climbingon Dartmoor, treetop confidence walks and a visit to the distinctive biomes of

O Cadets from the European

(ab 0 we) in England?" was a common question, as there was only one dry day during the camp.

But the

—

the Eden

Visits

Project.

to

Devonport,

Dartmouth and where

the

to

cadets

toured H.\-‘IS Portland and a modern submarine, covered the RN dimension, and in the evenings there were inter-team sports, films and a chance to chat.

The weather could have been better “does it rain every day —

sailing camp try out surfing (the wave has gone now, lads) and canoeing

visitors

sun

shone

on

day, when there

Pictures:

dull moment.

“There were a large number of leaders, all CCF, RN and ex-RV, and they were a wonderful crowd natural leaders and brilliant at it," said Sr".‘\«l .\lcAnall.\-'.

The IMC aims to promote and maintain maritime traditions, safety requirements at sea and to stimulate in youngsters an interest in maritime careers.

And it fell to the RNA to organise the camp, from creating the comprehensive programme of events to personally escorting groups IICYOSS London from a

VIP

was

—»

a

chance to walk along the coast to Rame Head and later watch a

spectacular display

on

the first

night of the Plymouthinternational firework competition.

S/M McAnally said the groups were picked from across the nations, whereas in the past they have been made up of national blocs, and the wide range of activities ensured there was never

Coastal, estuarine,

inland

give the cadets of Northampton and Wellingborough unit a patch of water and they will successfully sail across it.

LC Josh Falconer and AC William Marrable spent a week at sea with the offshore yacht TS Leopold Muller, based in \\'I'alton-on—theNaze.

Apart from having a fantastic time and visiting several po1'ts, the pair achieved RYA Offshore Competent Crew awards and navigational skills training.

Cadets had the choice of two different summer camps this year.

A group of 11 travelled to Portsmouth for a week on board HMS Bristol as part of the Eastern Area camp, taking part in waterborne

and land-based activities alike everything front power boating and pulling to first aid and polishing up their cooking and stewarding skills.

They were joined from cadets from overseas, —

Northampton and Wellingborough cadets afloat on the Firth of

airports

to

Nigel

Huxtable

Paddington station.

“The camp would not have been possible without the active co-operation of the RN, which we got in spades," said S.«".\-I .\lcAna|ly.

He added that the facility Pier Cellars was originally a pilchard fishing port before being taken up by the Navy was an ideal venue for such a camp.

“The idea was to make it different, and I t.l1ink that's what I liked most," said RNA General Secretary S/M Paddy McClurg.

"I have a feeling they might ask us to do it again..."

—-

—

EX—LC Laura Church, of the Chelmsford unit, has written her name into the Corps history books by becoming the first winner of the

Engineering Achievement Cup. The trophy was presented to the marine engineering specialisation

by Lt Cdr (SCC) Don Briggs

RNR on his retirement.

Laura won the cup, to be awarded annually to the Sea Cadets achieving the best grades in the BTEC First Diploma in

Engineering (Maintenance) at HMS Gannet, during her work

BTEC last year.

Laura, who is now on a work experience programme as an engineer in Devonport, achieved a distinction for her efforts at Gannet.

towards

a

III the S03 (and harbour, l‘lllSl' andlakel —

Forth

was

comparing first-class and steerage cabins and peering into the hold.

OFFSHORE,

0

Bristol

river ferries and a ride in the Welsh capital’s new

Pulling: North\Vest (Fleetwood), camp has been hailed as an Stonehaven 3rd; “outstanding success” by Sailing: North west (Maryport), the President of the Royal Stonehaven oth; Power: South West (Birmingham Naval Association, SEM

Stirling), Peterhead 2nd;

to

something of an adventure in its own right, including trains,

And although the results did not necessarily go their way throughout, the 63—strong northern team worked hard to make their mark at F..\tCel, the

conference and exhibition centre in London which is earmarked

trip

Their

giving them a great opportunity

to

make

new

friends and to sample life on a Royal Navy ship, albeit one which never leaves the jetty.

For the unit summer camp at HMS Caledonia there

was a

party of

13, who

went

boating out of Port Edgar under the shadow of the Forth Bridges. fvlore experienced cadets went on a day sailing trip to achieve their RYA Day sailing module the first time that the 'boaty‘ —

Northampton sail and

bug.

cadets had

completed

a

day

they have really been bitten by the

So great was the impact that a number of cadets are already planning to return to the Firth of Forth for their Duke of Edinburgh Silver expedition next May. Others in the group tried their hand at

boating at sea

—

very different

to

their time

on

the River Nene back home.

As a result they added coastal endorsements to their qualifications in powerboating and

dinghy sailing.

supplemented by sailing weekends at the regional boating facility at

The main camps

were

Thrapston, where

cadets

were

also able

to

improve their windsurfing techniques.

Shoreside activities were just as prominent

for some.

Two of the oldest cadets, POC Chris lhmc and LC Kerry \"0'i|son, attended :1 course at HMS Nelson to complete their three-year training plan towards achieving their PTI First Class qualification.

This is the first time in 18 years that cadets have achieved this award in the Eastern Area, and this achievement was the last before Chris joined the Royal .\’avy last month.

Chris, Navy Board Cadet for 2008, said: “The PT was hard work, but all the effort was worth it and put me in a fit condition to join the Royal Navy.”

And Wellingborough cadets still managed to find time over :1 busy summer to move into their new HQ at Rushden.

44

NAVY Nl~'.\‘("S, OCTOBI-ZR 2008

SEA CADETS

Tony ensures cadets enjoy Sate Returns

O POC James Fleardon

It's (nearly) all change at Sutton Coldfield There is a new look about the management team at Sutton Coldfield where a number of key posts have been up for grabs in the past few months.

In the first part of the year new CO, John Bradley, took over from Gary Truelove although John has been connected with the unit, as a cadet and staff member, [hr about ~10 years.

Gary, who was at the head of TS Sutton Coldfield for ten years, moved on to a new challenge as District Oflicer for Wttrwicksliire.

The unit also has a new chairman, a new vice chairman and a new training officer.

But there is no chance ofcadets being affected by any disruption the unit remains competitive when up against other units.

A team of Sutton Coldfield cadets recently returned from the National Band Competition at Plymouth, where they finished runners-up. just one point behind the winners.

Unit teams also topped the pile in district regattas for canoeing. boating, drill and piping, and nine out of the 2-l—strong South \\'-'est Area winning team in the canoeing and boat—handling competition in the National Combined Regatta came from Sutton Coldfield.

And a member of the unit, POC James Reardon, was chosen to go on an international exchange to Hong Kong in August with three colleagues from other parts of the UK.

RAIDERS in fast boats launched an attack on a coastal installation in Lancashire.

They

were

with their Morecambe were

due

rendezvous mothership in to

Bay when they

spotted by defenders

who

launched an air strike.

The enem_v hit back and a stricken air crew had to be rescued.

But peaceable Lancastrians need not have worried, as the

attack was part of a mock exercise the largest of its kind in the UK involving air and sea cadets from across the cottntry.

Exercise Safe Return is the —

—

brainchild of Sea Cadet officer Lt Tony Smith.

Tony

has just

completed

his

llth annual exercise and, while he claims each year will be his last he is now 6'') years old one suspects the 2000 event is already —

I

being planned.

“As soon as one exercise finishes I make a start on the next one a

few weeks later," said Tony. “It takes about a year to put together.

“It’s a tremendous amount of

work, but it's very satisfying when it all

Comes

together."

Tony and

of cadets set up a rescue centre at the Fleetwood Nautical Campus on :1 balmy summer morning from where the ‘good guys’ co-ordinated a response to the mock attack. .\-‘lore than 50 cadets took part in Safe Return, along with adult instructors, and so tireless was Tony in pursuit of realism that he managed to persuade the Forces to contribute seven aircraft.

One of the highlights was when at Nimrod from RAF Kinloss scoured the Bay for raiders, while RN Lynx and Sea King helicopters winched ‘survivors‘ from the patrol boats Blazer and Charger.

The scale and complexity of the exercise is down toTony's tenacity.

The retired teacher has spent the past 20 years working with the air cadets and, latterly, Sea Cadets.

“Over the years I’ve made a great many contacts and made sure I kept in touch with people," he said.

“I also plan everything very meticulously so that the people I ask for favours don‘t have to do much work they know everything has been properly cleared.

“I just think I’ve been very lucky over the years in getting the assets l have and I’m very his

team

v-

—

—

grateful.”

reserves

“They

O

Hinckleyunit provides the honour guard at the funeral of Lt (SOC) John Mapletoft

Last PBSIIEBIS lflI' Sllfllllfllll‘lBIIll

.\illiMBERS of Hinckley unit have bid a sad farewell to one of

their longest—serving shipmates, :1 stalwart officer who has died at the age of 83.

Lt (SCC) John .\-lapletoft RNR had been with the Leicestershire unit since 1973, and even in his

later years he

parade.

The unit

family,

was

rarely

missed

honoured

a

by his

who asked whether TS Amazon could play a role in the funeral service.

And

Hinckley

was

glad

to

provide an honour guard and pall-

bearers for the funeral.

Commanding Officer Lt (SCC) Neil Hartwell R.\lR said of Lt .\-‘lapletoft: “John was an

llnit thanked for shoebox contribution

all the staff and cadets in the unit.

“He was one ofthe last members of the Sea Cadet Corps who saw active service in \‘¢‘orld War 2.

“He would keep both cadets

inspiration

to

and staff entertained with his

stories of his wartime

and also his time with Sea Cadets.

exploits,

Hinckley

“John was something very special and will be sadly missed.“

llflfi

are

getting experiences

they would never else," he said.

get

anywhere

“I also feel that life should be fun. Going on this exercise will make them feel ten feet tall. “\’s'-‘lien they do something like this in the public eye it really switches them on and they raise

their performance."

of

The exercise was the centrepiece a

week—long training

the Sea Cadet Other

course at at

Training Centre

Inskip, near Preston. military

assets

llhingtlon cadets Jlllll IIBW ll‘l!I3tE

C.-\I)l-1'I‘S from the Abingdon unit were invited to spend a day with a new Chilean frigate and —

learned some of the harsh realities

of working at

sea.

frigate CNS Almirante Condell formerly I-l.\-IS Marlborough has been undergoing sea trials following her refit in Portsmouth, and was due to undertake a day trip across the Type

The

23

—

Channel.

As the

Abingdon unit

goes

by

ofTS Marlborough a rellection of their affiliation with the ship in its RN days it seemed a good idea to invite some of the the

name

—

—

unit

along

for the day.

Ten cadets and

two

of staff sailed with the

members

ship

from

stormy morning, gale-force wind ensured :1 steady trickle of visitors to the sick bay as nml de um" set in long before the frigate sighted the French coast.

Portsmouth on

a

and the

his greatest passion not for the military hardware, however. but for the cadets.

He

O Abingdoncadets on board the CNS Almirante Condell

involved

in Safe Return were two Army Air Corps Lynx. an Army Gazelle and Tutor aircraft from Number 10 Air Experience Flight at RAF \‘k"ooclvalc.

During the ten-hour voyage the

cadets

were

given tours of the ship

and shown around the bridge and helicopter, in between bouts of scasickncss.

Their return home brought a further problem in that a tugboat scheduled to shepherd the frigate

in

was

visitors

not were

available, and the

facing

the prospect

rough night at sea.

But Capt Cruz, Comandante of the Condell, managed to arrange for a pilot boat to collect the

ofa

cadets and deliver them ashore at

0pm.

The unit made many friends during the trip, and has promised to keep in contact with the ship

and her

crew.

‘I53

.\-MEMBERS of the Altrincham and Sale unit have been thanked

providing

for their efforts in 0 There were two causes for celebration at the Norwich unit over the summer. Around 50 family and friends were joined by cadets at the unit’s HQ. TS Lord Nelson, to see the christening of Jack. the son of First Lieutenant Lt Mark Janner Burgess and his partner Lynsey (above). The ceremony was performed by Rev James Mustard, the former ships chaplain, and following Naval tradition Jack’s name was en raved on the ship’s bell, which was upturned to act as a font. n the admin front, promotions to higher rank are not ten a penny, so to find three in one month in a unit is not bad going. Sisters Madie and Georgie Frary were rated L/Cdt at the units Royal Naval Parade, together with S/Lt Sally Spinks (all three pictured below), who gained her commission on her 21st birthday. Sally is the youngest memberof staff to have achievedofficer status in the unit’s 96-year history

shoeboxes filled with items for children in West Africa.

Capt \‘4-'a_vne Keble wrote to the cadets as HMS Albion. sailed from Sierra Leone to Gibraltar.

According to Albion‘s CO:

“Sierra Leone was a humbling place, very beautifulwith fabulous beaches, but with a lot of poverty, and the countr_v is still recovering from the ci\-'il war."

He spoke of the projects in which the ship's company had been involved, from the reconstruction of schools and clinics facilities such as a

Preparatory School,

made

ofsticks but with good educational material, to Paola Community

Primary School, with overcrowded mud rooms and precious little in the way of facilities. “ln all the schools the children were extremely grateful for the slioeboxes and we managed to ensure that each child was given their own box."

on

PlymouthHoe

Barrow prove to be the best

repairing chimpanzee to

sanctuary.

“The shoebox appeal was very successful. \Ve ended up with 500 shoeboxes, and these were donated to six schools," he said, “They ranged from the Jewel Model

O The Barrow-in-Furness Sea and Marine Cadet Band perform

THE Barrow-in-FurnessSea and Marine Cadet Band has won t.he title of the UK‘s best traditional Sea Cadet drttm and bugle band at the national competition.

This was the first time that TS Sovereign, representing the North \'\'-’est of England, had competed at

national level, taking on bands from four other areas who were a

experienced regular competitors.

The band delivered a stunning ten—minute

marching

performance,

and musical

they were assessed on dress. deportment, technical ability and level of entertainment for the large audience where

amassed on Plymouth Hoe. The band was led by Drum Major LC Sam Greenway, who proudly wore a new sash, sponsored by the Barrow branch of the Submariners Association and a local businessman, which arrived iust before the competition.

Delighted Bandmaster Lt Jason Zaccarini said: "The hand went with no expectation other than to compete, deliver an entertaining performance and to learn from the experience of watching and competing against the other bands in the competition.

"The performance that the

cadets delivered was fantastic and they [rul_\‘ are a credit to themselves, their unit and to the town of Barrow.

“To come away as the winners of the UK's best traditional drum and bugle band was an added bonus.“ Members of the unit also helped welcomed one of TV's ‘Hairy Bikers‘ back to his home town.

Dave Myers, who with Simon King is currently starring in the BBC series Hairy Bakers", returned to Barrow as he was involved in an arts display at the Forum 28 arts centre, and the cadets were asked to play a fanfare for the occasion.

NAVY NEWS, OC'I'()BER 2008

45

~37.‘

REVIEW -

‘The war was very real’ ON AN

early spring day

in 2006, VIPs, top brass and a fair smattering

and journalists photographers mustered on the standings at RAF of

0 Self portrait at 35,000 feet...

Cdr Ade Orchard in his Harrier over

Afghanistan

Cottesmore.

Tagged on the end ofa charming Rutland village, the base is the archetypal inter-war airfield with its red—brick buildings and huge hangars.

Today it would \vitness historic event. RAF 3(F) an Squadron would tlecommission their Harriers and take charge of their new 'bird', the Eurofighter Typhoon.

That was what the bigwigs and

most of press had come to see them at any rate. But after the RAF had enjoyed its moment in the sun, the Fleet Air Arm stepped up to the mark.

It too would recommission that day with ‘new’ aircraft, Harriers, yes, but not the fighter with its distinctive black nose cone. instead one with a rather elongated front end.Thus began a ne\v era in naval aviation the days of air defence were past. the days of close air support dawning.

It was a dawn not necessarily welcomed. The demise of the Sea Harrier was and remains in many circles a controversial subject, but it could have been so mtich worse, \'C’ith the fighter's days the numbered, l\'a\y pumped into the RAF Harrier money programme rather than try to extend the life of the FAA jump jet. It was, believes Cdr Adrian ‘Ade' Orchard, lirst commander of the newly re—formed 800 Naval Air Squadron, the right decision.

“II the Royal Navy hadn’t taken this route, the retirement of the FA2 wouldn't have merely marked the end of an era, but could also have spell the end of naval fixedwing aviation."

Ade Orchard was among the first Sea Harrier men to cross to the ‘dark side‘ anti fly the RAF‘s bomber variant, flying missions over Iraq during the 2003 campaign. It was, he says, “a defining moment in my flying career".

He continues: “I suddenly realised that with the right gear and even then I believed that the GR’/' was the right gear your effectiveness on the battlefield was just immense.”

So the king is dead, long live the —

~

V-

—

—-

—-

—

—

king.

The new king had a new domain. no longer the endless expanse of the ocean, but the mountains and steppe ofAfghanistan.

In the autumn of 2000, Orchard led his naval air squadron into the line of fire over Kandahar and Hclmand.

It marked the end of a long road as Sea I-Iarrier pilots and Sea Harrier engineers became ‘plain' Harrier pilots and Harrier engineers with the GR7, the Royal Air Force's bomber model of the fabled jump jet.

And to understand the GR? meant spending time with the RAF. A lot oftime.

There is, as you’d expect. plenty of banter with the Crabs as the_v are the other half of Joint Force Harrier.

The Crabs steadfastly stick to RAF banter, even at sea: officers’ mess (wardroom), boat (ship), bed (bunk). And as for the cabins aboard our Harrier carriers, well as one squadron leader fumed, “Luckily I haven‘t brought a cat with me because there was sodall room to swing one.” (He has a

point—Ed.)

Banter aside the

two

Services

This is the reality of Helniand for men in the air and men on the ground. The innocent can appear suspicious, the suspicious innocent. A crowd of people gathering might be the insurgents massing for an attack... or locals visiting the village market.

Tales of aerial combat, dogfights and the like, are often ratherduller on paper than they are in the skies, “I shot down this plane, then I shot down another..." joint Fort‘: Harrier is as much unit history as it is memoir; it’s about all the men and women who headed to Kandahar.

And that is a good thing. For not only does it show that it takes a real team effort to support the handful of‘aces', but it also allows for some good dits (or anecdotes if you prefer Crab speak) on the ground, as well as in the skies.

Despite all that talk of jointery, the naval fliers quickly gave their base :1 nautical flavour. The Battle Ensign was raised, a blast wall adorned with a rather large \\'/hite Ensign and Harriet, a warning sign posted on the ups room door ‘Do not enter, here be sea dragons‘, and (best of all), a mock carrier I-IMS Kandahar erected in front of an air shelter, complete with ski ramp.

Such refinements weren't the only taste of home: the British galley served up “good old British fare" chicken tikka masala, treacle sponge, spotted dick and jam roly-poly. (The American diner, by contrast, offered less wholesome fare, chiefly out of a Freezer, and always accompanied by ‘freedom fries’ chips.)

Kandahar offers a few mod cons Burger King and Subway fast food stores and a string of coffee shops (operating out of containers) and daily dangers, courtesy ol"l‘aleban rocket attacks.

The ground crews were in the front line every bit as much as the —

—

With the Naval Strike Wing back in Afghanistan, the first Fleet Air Arm Harrier pilot to lead his fliers in Kandahar, Cdr Adrian Orchard, has charted that

groundbreakingdeployment in Joint Force Harrier: The Inside Story of a Royal Navy Fighter Squadron at ‘War (Penguin, £16.99 ISBN 978-0-178-15399-1)

remain proud oftheir heritage and their distinctly different ways of working and matelots no more enjoyed extended periods in the presence of the Crabs than vice t'cr.tt2. “If I'd wanted to work for this length of time rui'I.': the RAF, I'd have joimsii the bloody RAF." one chief complained.

Ade Orchard understands such sentiments but he also lives in the real world.

“People just had to accept that despite the apparent separation into light and dark blue, all Harrier pilots were now part of a joint force. For some, that was a bitter pill to swallow.”

There were bigger issues than RAF»'RI\' rivalry at stake the lives of Allied troops on the ground in Afghanistan for a start.

RN jets hadn't been involved in a campaign like Afghanistan since Suez half a century before.

The work—up they had alongside the Air Force proved invaluable, but heading to Kandahar Orchard knew that he and his men were under :1 great deal of pressure to deliver the goods.

“Any unit deploying to the front line for the first time is under the spotlight," he writes. “Our performance would be closely scrutinised."

And no man or woman in 800 NAS heading to Hclmand underestimated their foe. The Taleban are not "just a bunch of religious nutters wearing outdoor pyjamas and black turbans, waving copies of the Koran and carrying Kalashnikovs". They are —-

—

--

warriors, Orchard observes, with no “apparent fear of death they —

just don't give up“.

That does not, of course, mean that they cannot be killed. \\'/henever pinned down by insurgents, Allied troops would call for air support to suppress the which invariably meant enemy 800 NAS. This is not a tale of gung-ho pilots wanting to lay waste to great tracts of Afghanistan. These are not men who “love the smell of napalm in the morning". Often, a loud ‘boo’ would suffice.

"Sometimes," Cdr Orchard says succinctly, “it was just El question ofscaring them shitless."

And that meant “a low—level show of force“, roaring over Tale b a n positions.

—

followed by a ‘bite’.

Over one Taleb-an position, Orchard unleashed a 5~l0lb ‘air burst’ bomb it blows up above the target.

“As the shockwave spread out at the speed of sound, the fireball sucked in the air from the surrounding sky," the Harrier pilot observed.

And then it seemed that the —

striking back, firing enem_v ground—to-air missiles at the passing jets. 0rchard’s RPM gauge “spun like the wheels of a fruit niachine“ as his jet powered away from the danger zone, deco_v flares spinning out of the belly of was

the Harrier.

As it turned out, there were no

I.40\'a'-ICVCI runs pose particular dangers, chiefly the terrain, sometimes the enemy taking potshots at the jets. Otherwise, however, the experience was rather surreal.

“Contrary to both popular belief and the images so dear to Hollywood, the world does not rush past in a blur when you’re flying an aircraft fast at low level," the authorpoints out. “\V"e can see rugs and washing hanging on lines, kids running around, the locals doing what they're up to, and almost count the number of animals.”

And sometimes a ‘bark‘ must be

enemy

missiles

Orchards bomb had malfunctioned and detonated

prematurely.

It could have brought down the jet; it could also have exploded over the Allied troops by accident.

It didn't. It killed six out of seven insurgents who had been pinning down the friendly forces.

Or, in the clipped chatter between ground controllers and fliers: ‘Your BDA is six KIA.’ Your battie damage a.<.<e.mm'ni is six kt'Hca' in action. \V’ar to Fleet Street and the news editors in the ivory towers of 24-hour news channels is black

‘friendly fire’ is an easily—avoidableblunder.

Except that war is more grey and white and

than black and white. It doesn’t take place in the safety of a London office, where mistakes can be eliminated with the click of a mouse button or hitting the ‘delete’ key.

War is a melting pot of fear, terror,

anxiety, relief, exhilaration,

life-and-death decisions in the blink of an eye. It is rarely clearcut.

On a night flight over Kandahar, Ade Orchard and his wingman escorted a ground convoy through the darkness.

The troops were becoming

increasingly agitated. They spoke in increasingly clipped tones on

the radio. convinced their slowmoving column would be attacked by a suicide bomber.

A truck zig-zagged through one of Afghanistan‘s towns. The naval aviators called it in. The troops took up position and threw down a wall of tire in front of the vehicle, which quickly turned around and

scarpered.

“It might

have been the suicide Orchard bomber,’ Ade observed from above, “or perhaps it really was just a lost delivery driver who would at the very least have needed to go home and change his trousers."

On the other side of town,

the fliers spied somethingburning, a disc rotating wildly, in flames.

They dropped down for a closer

inspection.

“It looks like somebodyswinging a burning tyre round on the end of a rope,“ Orchard radioed.

It was. The locals were celebrating Bid, the festival at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

“It was just another reminder to all of us that just because a bloody war was being fought in the country, life for most of the locals carried on pretty much as normal."

Win Joint Force Harrier

WE have ten copies of Joint Force Harrier to give away thanks to those nice chaps and chapesses at Penguin books.

To be in with a chance of winning, name the naval air station which was the home of the Sea Harrier for more than a quarter of a century.

Send your answer to Joint Force Harrier Competition, Navy News, Leviathan Block, HMS Nelson. Portsmouth P01 3HH. or email it (with your contact details) to jolntforceharrler@navynews.cc.u|t We must receive your entry by mid-day on Monday November 10 2008. Normal Navy News competition rules apply and the editor’s decision is final.

—

—

pilots.

These barrages also created extra work for the naval aviators, for after each attack the runway and dispersal areas were littered with shrapnel which had to be cleared by the FOD plod.

And for all the technology, for all the guided missiles and lasertargeting, the night vision goggles, the jet engines, many things have remained unchanged since the first naval aviators earned their wings a century ago.

“No matter how hard anyone trained or practised, the thought that on every sortie there was a good chance that your actions would result in the deaths of maybe dozens of human beings in a split second was sobering in the extreme,“ writes Orchard.

“For every single person in the squadron, the war in Afghanistan was very real."

I Proceeds from Joint Force Harrier will be split between the

Forces charity Combat Stress and the Royal Navy Historic

Flight

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-lo

0 Go ahead, make my day... A

Shoot to thrill

Lucy’s sixth sense LNN Lucy Norimtn (pibiiii-all abut-c) stepped up a notch to take part in the ironman. one of the UK’s most gruelling endurance events Lucy, a psychiatric nurse at the community mental health department in Portsmouth l\‘aval Base, is already an accomplished athlete in the RN’s triathlon and cycling teams. lronman is a ‘super triathlon’ 2.~l—mi|e swim, ll2-mile bike ride ending with running a marathon.

Some 1,600 competitors gathered in the Dorset town of Sherborne for the 2008 championships; the leading hand took part principally to raise money for numerous charities (I.eukaemia Research, air ambulance, MacMillanCancer Relief, and youth/"sports projects in the UK).

But the 29-year-old also posted some impressive times (lh 13m 01s in the water, ()l'I 39m is on the bike and -lh ‘Sm (is for the marathon) which gave her 350th place overall and sixth place in her age group.

-

—

VIIIlI' HNFA IIBBIIS VIIII THE new football season is now well undemray and the first month or so has been spent with RN team managers looking to develop their squads.

Of course, FINIFIM teams of all standards will be optimistically looking forward to success and we really hope that everyone en'oys the coming season. a senior team's first game of the season will be a friendly against the Civil Service at Burnaby Road on October2. Lastly in this general introduction, if there are any budding ioumalists out therewith an interest in Navy football, I am looking for some help with RNFA Comms work nolhin too onerous, and there are perks to thejob. Please ring me on 1225 467543.

In addition to the area trials held during September, the cunent Flo at Navy U23 and U18 football coaches are always on the I out for players with the ability,attitude and commitment to represent the RN at these age groups.

The U23s lay throughout the season against opposition such as England hools, culminating In the Inter-Services versus the Army and RAF. The U183 play in the South East counties Cup and the Dallas Cup (Texas, U in April; to be eligible to play for the U18s you must have been rn after August 1 1989.

Detailsfrom W01 Steve Rule 93825 2510 or LtCdr John Gordon 93825 5105 for the U23; CPO Fraser Quirks 9380 25552 and CFO Paul Willetts 9380 25871 for the U18s.

During theclose season, HMS Westminster paid a short visit to Chennai (formerly Madras), when members of the ship’s football team helped out at a local omlianage.

Balagurukulam Orphanage provides abandoned and deprived children with adequate shelter. food, medical facilities and education.

The care and attention given to thechildren by the hardworking staff was plainly evident to the team, who felt privileged to be able to help out for the afternoon.

The Westminster team. led by Lt Glenn German and CPO(MEM) ‘Snakey' Blake, handed out new Englandfootball kits provided by the FA and RNFA and their Defence Diplomacy programme. child was given a shirt and a football, along with sweets and so ool equipment. "The children were eager to get into their new kits and show off their skills,” said Lt German.

-

Every

Onside with Capt Paul

—-

’

N

boxing.

Members of the RN and RM Ex-Boxers Association 120 —

have lined up a reunion South Parade Pier. It will

strong at

take the form of

a

boxing dinner

with today’s Navy and Marine boxers taking on

Royal

as

yet

undetermined opposition.

The association is formed

The 2009 reunion takes on Friday March 27.

marksmanship," explained Lt Liam ‘Dickie‘ Byrd (HMS Gloucester).

“That helps to maintain and improve operational capability at advancing

figures.

The final day of the prestigious tri—Service Combat Shooting Competition at Bisley saw the top shots in the Forces aiming to

Queen’s Medal.

including the green

more to come.

beret.

Under

the (Capability)‘s

It marked the climax of eight days of first-rate marksmanship at the home of shooting, which saw all participants challenged elsewhere.

to

experience

This directive also saw the recent establishment of the much needed

training week preceded the competition, the event proper A

each command team of 12 competing for I3 trophies, while there were 19 individual titles up for grabs including the coveted Que-en‘s Medal (:1 signal was sent out last month with a full list of saw

winners).

The latter medal is awarded to one member from each of the three Services under the Queen's Warrant and is the only military medal awarded for a military skill-

RN

0 Bloom with a view... Cpl Jim Bloom, Service, is honoured by comrades VIPs included Shadow Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox, head of

place

Details are available from ex-CPO Tony Bevel, former

RN’ coach and now association treasurer, on 01489 880~l72 or 0750 005 8801.

(Capabi|ity)‘s

directive.

marksmanship

—

Having shown a special interest

Band was keen to witness the strides made in combat shooting.

He wasn’t the only one: other

vice president David Gosling.

All the VIPs received a briefing on the Rl\‘-RMRA‘s year so far, and a progress report on the implenicntation of Cliief-of-Staff

in the work of the RNRM Rille Association over the past year, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Jonathon

top marksmanin the Senior

'lliey then witnessed the Army General Sir Richard Dannatt, ChiefofStaff(Capabi|ity) tri-Service final and met the Rear Admiral Philip Wilcocks, most important element of the the sailors and Deputy POST Cdre Nick competition the

Lambert, Head of the Maritinie W-’arl'are School Cdre Steve Kirby, Commanding Officer of RNAS YeoviltonCdre Chris Palmer, and

SCI.

Chief-of—Stafl'

newl_v-released marksinanship directive, the Association now has a reinvigorated plan for the future of advanced combat shooting training.

under conditions that any sailor

would find it hard

their

the grassroots level."

2008 has been a busy year for the association, but there is yet

finally the association‘s honorary

marines.

The business of advanced combat shooting is primarilv managed by the RNRM Rifle Association on behalfof Fleet with the principal objective ofdclivering advanced marksmanship training with the 5.56 (or SA80 in more 9mm common parlance) and pistol to the RN and the Corps.

MarksnianshipTraining Team

(RNiVlT'T) who closely with the

deliver the required Senior Service.

have worked association to

training to the

The focus has already switched to the 2009 shooting season and the support required from all COs to make a success of the various levels of free combat shooting

training offered by the RNRMRA to

all Fleet units.

The Area

Skill-at-Arms

Meeting (SAAM) competition signals will be distributed in due course, explaining how ships, unit and establishnient

teams can

L'l'l[L‘I'.

details from W. rnrmra.org, or from Lt Byrd on Mtire

corporate@RNFtMRA.org.

Branches llllISSOIll lll Fall]

Hockey Association's centenary season opened in fine style, with a .\lav_v—wide.

THE RN

seven-a-side, mixed inter-branch competition, ti:ri.n:.i Capt ;l'lrirl: Drirliiigmii.

Buildingon the success oflastyear's inaugural tournament, this year‘s event brought together teams out in

defence of their specialisation or branch.

Despite the torrential rain at H.VlSTerneraire,

from sailors and Royal Marines who’ve boxed for the Service at representative level and includes national, international, Commonwealth and Olympic veterans.

—

take home the

LAiPhoiJ Alex Cave. FRPU Easi

“The association continues to ensure that its events, exercises and competitions are focused on improving an individual’s skills in the use of small arms, and

than 150 men and women in 15 from across the Naval Service to battle it

Fights, food and fun

Pictures:

CORPORAL Jim Bloom is the ultimate marksman in the Senior Service as he demonstrated in front of a clutch of senior military and defence

more

Cunningham, RNFA

PUGILISTSpast and present will gather in Pompey next year for an evening of line food and top

competitor takes aim during the final day at Bisley

the fighting spirit of the players remained undiminished.

The contest began with a closely-fought match between the RN and the management consultancy group KPMG, who had kindly agreed to sponsor the event.

The game was played between two mixed sides with the Navy fielding a well-balanced team with a blend of youth and experience under the watchful eye of Lt Matty Wesson.

This was the first time that many players had represented the RN in a mixed game, with each

side coinprising six men and five women.

The Senior Service side included husband and wife

team

Lts Adam and Karen Duke,

l."Cp|Tom Nicoll (RMR Bristol), S.-‘Lt Marian Taylor (Observer under training Culdrose), PO

(U\ll") Micky \‘I'arriner (St Albans), the newlymarried LNN Simon Domoncy (.\lDHUP),

and PONIEA Stuie .'\-lclnally (Turbulent) amongst others.

In a quickfire opening 15 minutes, the Navy soon went ahead 1-0 as good teamwork and true grit and determination helped the RN counter the line individual skills of many of the KPMG players.

The RN eventually won 3-2 on the day, but this was less important than the fun and enjoyment that everyone got from a game played in just the right spirit.

RNHA secretary Lt Cdr Alan Walker said: “The game against KP.\"lG was a splendid way to begin the weekend. It was great to host a team the RN have not played before and to show them a little of what life in a blue suit, or under a green lid. has to offer.”

Two days ofhockey followed in which nearly all the 32 specialisations and branches of the Naval Service were represented including full team entries from the dentists, PTIs, QARNNS, Doctors and l\'lA."'l\'ls, Cireenies and Clankies.

There was also a mix of two warfare teams drawing upon five different sub—

specialisations.

The Royal Marines and the Fleet Air

Arm were all represented, and the submarincrs fielded a SM Southwest team and a SNI

Northwest team, both of whom ended up amongst the prizes, split by a talented WE.-’ QARNNS combo.

Nltist welcome were a visiting team of Canadians, currently on course at HMS Sultan hell-bent on having a party, and on showing the Brits what hockey is really all about.

Led b_\'\‘("O Scott Hill, the stars of the show were the logistics specialisations. Combined, they could have lielded chefs, writers, SAs and stewards sides. Instead, they chose to answer the numerous Calls to help other teains field full strength sides “just like when you go to war, everyone needed the loggies,“ beamed \':ivyVets star Cdr Heber Ackland.

CPO Jakie Foran added: “Despite the rain, this was a terrific start to the year, and a great way to promote grass-roots hockey within the Royal Navy. It was fabulous to see so inany different teams represented.”

For their achievements on and off the field of play, fighting spirit awards, complete with a clash of .\'elson's Blood were awarded to Lee Aitken, Karen Duke, Marian Taylor, jakic Foran, Scott Hill, l\’l:lI'C Dowling, Kelly Urmston and the whole Canadian Navy team.

Looking ahead, tIiere"s a black tie centenary ball on June '3 at HMS Nelson :1 family affair. open to all RNHA (past and present).

—

—

NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008

E-—_

sponr

E|l9lIIBBl‘lII£I a victory IIII

lll'l3lIBI‘8 888 off All‘ Force

the QPBEIIS

challenge

PLANNING complete and

THE Royal Navy South Coast Archers hosted the national record status tournament on a windy, overcast day at HMS

the August rain having abated, competitors in the l"Jth annual RN Engineers golf championship awoke to grey skies but with the hope of a dry day.

For the first time in the

Collingwood.

The RAF have dominated archery in the 2 1 st Century, winning six out of the past seven

contest’s history the engineers moved to the spectacular course

titles, including the 2007

Elfordleigh Hotel, just three miles from Plymouthcit_v centre. at

—

course.

Following at 7.30am start, a closely-fought battle ensued over

missed

or

freddiepearce@blueyonder.

co.uk And

finally... the Royal British Legion is staging its inaugural Combined Services veterans

golf Llanelli, in south \Vales.

Details of the July 24 event contest at

from

Machynys, near

rikoshea_10@yahoo.co.uk

l'l0I'8B l30llI'88 l0I' lI'BG SAILORS and marines who fancy a flutter can enjoy a free day out on the final meeting of the flat season at

The

Newbury races.

racecourse

is

devoting

Saturday October 25 to the military via an ‘Armed Forces race day’.

Tickets to the course are limited to two per person.You must book in advance by October 17 on 01635 40015.

Various hall"-price hospitality deals, plus a suite for injured personal, are also available.

Details on the same number.

officers enjoy

Sltyy larking

5'! Continued from back page halves", “the boys did good", “Harry will be sick as a parrot". and “you don't win the title in

August”.

In the post-match summary, the England manager was discussed and the lack of spine of the Arsenal squad, although the presence of too many Ghanaians in

England specifically Michael ~

Essicn

—

booing.

had the off—can1cra staff

So, at the end of the day, it

was

less

a case

of Hansen and

Lawrenson than Morecambe and Wise starring in Carry on

Cnrltrmmtatrng.

..

out on an

The round shot

Olympics place.

was a arrows at 100

two

—

event at

Cranwell.

The Navy, however, were fielding the strongest side in years two former and one current RN champion and one former GB squad member who narrowly

The rambling pink hotel providied a fantastic backdrop to spectacular views across the

rounds with the hand—mown greens and lunchtime pin changes proving to be the undoing of many in the field.

I.t Steve Trotman, off five, played some magnificentgolf in the increasing wind, carding gross 76 during the morning medal round and a highly creditable 34 points offa handicap in the afternoon.

For later players, the conditions became more difficult as temperatures dropped and heavy rain was carried by the now strong wind. \VO2 Yorkie Glover pushed Lt Trotman all the way but fell short after being one back at lunch and carding 32 points in the afternoon round.

Congratulations also to Tam Snaddon of BAE who took the champion sponsor trophy.

2009 will see CPOET(\l(’E) Steve King take the reins front this year‘s organiser, CPOET(ME) Nobby Styles, and plans are already in motion to tnove away from the Plymouth area, with Bristol firmly on the 2009 committee’s radar. More details at www.engineersopen. co.uk.

Meanwhile, the China Fleet Country Club in Saltash hosts the Field Gunners Command 100 Golf Classic the second year the contest has been run (the ‘Oggies' lifted the trophy in its inaugural year).

This year’s event takes place on Friday October 31. Details from Fred Pearce on Ol7'32 202860

47

six dozen four dozen

‘York’:

yards,

yards and two dozen at ()0 yards (or 80, ()0, 50 yds for women, the same number of arrows, called a Hereford’).

The Navy team Lt Jonathan Parker (Raleigh), Mne Seb York (CTCRIVI,King’s Troop), CPO Barry Green (Ark Royal) and Capt Gareth Knowles RM (CTCRM) won comfortably. at

80

‘

O LA(METOC) James Bulpett checks out the ‘sets’ (waves) from a at Super Tubes Pir_:lt.r-é-'51. Li’-\.iF"lir

ree f

-—

super Tubes days

—

The RN Recurve

championships were decided in the same order: Lt Parker, Mne York, CPO Green and Capt

Knowles.

In the association competition, the RAF won but in the Compound Division, the Senior Service overcame the Air Force by 20 points.

It might sound an emphatic triumph, but it was actually less than one per cent of the total points scored.

The association team comprised Mel Sandford, Cdr Ian Harrop RN (Fleet HQ) and

SURFERS from the Royal

Navy

and Royal Marines risked all for perfection at the tip of the African continent.

Despite it being one ofthe most great white shark—infested regions on the planet, the fear of attack was not enough to keep the surfers from riding one of the world’s

Cooper, while CPO Darren Bennion (SFM Devonport) and S/Lt Nick Hepworth Ian

pI'ClTll(.'!' Vt-'3\'CS.

Nine members of the RN and RM Surfing Association travelled to the foot of Africa for ten days in ]effrey‘s Bay in the Eastern Province of South Africa.

(Collingwood) formed the compound team.

Individual, Senior Service

champions were: gents recurve:

‘]Bay’, as it’s known, is renowned for being one of the fastest, longest and consistently perfect due

to

Sqn, Loughborough University); gents barebow: Ian Cooper; ladies

host the world's finest

professional surfers in competition

only a

week after the

left for home.

Navy

recurve:

group

offerings, enthusiastic (if not equally

ride the Indian Ocean as

power

talented) RN boardriders had

their fill.

ln what waves

were some

of the best

that most of the the group

ONE sport which has never appeared in these pages before is powerbag lifting.

Until now. RN and RM PT|s are looking for strapping Senior servicemen and women to uphold the honour of the Corps/Fleet against the Army and RAE For the uninitiated powerbag lifting involves lifting powerbags (obviously Ed) five pairs of

had ever seen, let alone ridden, the performance levels of the group were pushed to the top limit of their abilities.

Tour organiser Sgt Andy Williams (CTCRM) said: “We walked straight into a new swell and perfect conditions, which even the locals claimed was the best day they'd had in weeks, so the trip

began on a high.

“The length of

the waves, the

powerbags (think elongated, heavy bean bags] weighing between 10kg and 30kg.

These are placed at five-

metre increments from the back

opportunity for push their surfing in

fantastic

of

the guys to world—class waves.”

The boardriders not only tested themselves against the waves, but also the area‘s top longboard surfers in competition.

HostedbytheEasternLongboard

Association at Noordhoek Beach near Port Elizabeth, the contest was a Challenge of the abilities of the tour members against the very high standard of surfing in South Africa, which is among the top five surfing nations along with Australia, the USA and Brazil.

In what were fun waves for the event, the British boardriclcrs put up a good fight against topclass opposition. Although none of the team reached the finals,

good performances saw fifth-place finishes from \lVOl Paul Keenan

and CPO Steve Hicks in the over 355 division and

LA(Phot)

Gaz

Faulknerin the U355.

The

team

event prizes of highly-sought-after

for the

O Flawless Lawless... CPO Matt Lawless “taking on

the accompanying caption...)

shown by the South Africans and an invitation, from David Lipschitz, president of the South African Longboard Association, to a future event. “it was a pleasure to host the guys from the British Navy, the waves could have been slightly better for the event but they were more

than

in the form

boardrider jackets,T—shirts and caps.

It was a highly-successful

meeting betweenthe two clubs with great generosity and hospitality

contestable,”

said Nlr

Lipschitz. “We would love

to see

the RNRM team out in the water again with the possibility of a larger, national event next time they visit."

On the squad’s return to ]effrey’s Bay for the final week, the perfect waves kept coming, with the team enjoying the amazing natural wonders of Africa.

—

also donated many

—

—

power, and the sheer speed are something we rarely get in the UK and this perfection is something you can only get at JBa_v. So this was a

Mel Sandford.

Bags of

Before the world’s finest could the

compound:

CPO Bennion; gents longbow Mid Torn Goodwin (Typhoon

locations in the world and

wave was

Lt Parker; gents

When

a

fast one at Super Tubes” (or that’s what it says in

dodging pods of surfing with them on

not

dolphins or

the waves,

they

were

watching

whales breach out to sea from their beachside balcony.

One natural wonder they were not keen to witness however were the fish big fish like great whites.

Ask any locals if there were —

sharks,

the

answer

was

always

‘yes’. Despite tales of people being ‘bumped’ in the water only

days before

the Brits’ arrival, the

prospect of perfect waves was much to keep the surfers out.

Fortunately

too

sightings were made of the toothy predators although there were plenty of no

—

and abrasions incurred from colliding with the reef so the cuts

—»

surfers could

concentrate on

the

alone, even with the Jaws soundtrack sounding in their ears.

waves

South Africa 2008 will go down as one ofthe most successful tours the RN RM surfers have made, joining Hawaii, France and San Diego as destinations the team has surfed.

The tours not only provide the opportunity for the members to push their abilities in wor|d—class surf but also provide a reward for those who donate free time to

hosting numerous beginnersurfing weekends throughout the year for Royal .\Ia\-'_vv'iVIarine personnel and their families.

More details

be found

at

on

the sport

surfnavy.com

can

Land Rover.

Competitors set off from the back of the 4x4. carrying one powerbag at a time, loading it on to the vehicle.

Oops. Almost forgot. Several million people will be watching you.

The contest is filmed by Sky Sports‘ popular Soccer AM show and runs for the duration of its 42-week series.

Personnel wishing to take part in this event should seek chain of command approval.

Once that is received. contact Tom Oliver at Sky Sports on 0207 805 739 or tom. a

oliver@bskyb.com You will be competing in your own time and Sky will be providing insurance cover should an

injury occur.

Personnel should also confirm their own personal insurance to ensure

adequate cover.

The RN PR team in Whitehall DPR (RN) are looking to provide suitably branded T-shirts for competitors. Once selected by Soccer AM, chosen individuals should contact Maj Mark Perrin on 9621 82861.

—

—

l\'AVY NEWS. ()(IT()BI-IR 2008

-l8

lillicers enjoy

Sltyy tanking \\'-'Hl’.?\' Lt Greg Young and Lt Cdr Andrew Mills were

dispatched

to

Ghana with the

Mobile News Team to cover HMS Endurance's visit (see pcrgc 8) they were prepared for appearing in front of the camera.

Experts in the RN's global role and Endurance‘s environmental

‘The world owes the Grand Fleet a great debt’

mission, they could cope with

question from journalists... except, perhaps, “\\'-'hat will any

Harry Redknapp be saying to players at halftime?“

German surrender -

his

But somehow the duo ended up as Premier League football

‘pundits’ on

national TV. It all began when local media visited the survey ship and the pair chatted with Ghanaian TV

supplement

presenter'l'oni Boateng.

Greg happened to mention that he was a Pompey fan, while And_v

said he'd lived in .\Ilanchester for :2 few years.

This prompted Toni to invite the duo to visit the studios of Skyy (not Sky) TV to watch Pompey vs Manchester United live too good an opportunity to pass up, so accept they did.

The officers were escorted to the studio. ushered to the —

0

Top shot... the leading RN athlete of the season, LOM Andy Dawkins, delivers anotherpowerful performance

ll high-class lieltl Pictures:

They went unseen

-

tapping the

vast archive of 20th

Century naval images

NAVY athletes could not quite match last year‘s achievements but many still delivered high-class performances at the 2008 Inter-Services track and field championships.

Eighteen medallists front the past three years were unavailable because of other commitments providing opportunities for fresh talent -

—

to

the competition hosted rrrmro,.r:ur' Putt} ll"'iutmr.

sample

(cum

by

the RN

at

Victory Stadium, rt'rr'te.~'

performing Senior Service athlete of 2008 was LOM Andy Dawkins (Neptune).

Cointnitinent and dedication to a challenging and structured training regime enabled him to improve personal best performances in shot, The top

discus and hammer. Regularly throwing the shot over 15111 (-'l9ft) he improved his personal best to 15.98111 (Slit) and was invited to compete at the GB Olympic trials where he finished ninth, For the second year in succession he gained t\vo medals at the Inter—Services level. :1 silver in the shot and a bronze in the hammer.

The best performance from sportswomen at the lnter-Services came courtesy of Lt Linda Lawrence (ISU i\lorthwood), another athlete rewarded for steely determination and adherence to a dedicated training regime. She won bron7.e medals over both 800m and l,‘500m. characterised by her strong finishing sprints to get into those medal

positions.

Kong continuing the frigate’s Kent

-

Far East

odyssey

Plus

Quake ‘n’ evac

-

no

stroll in the park for reservists

i

9 770028 167108

10>

POPT Neal Edwards (Raleigh) has made a habit of lop-three finishes in the ~l00tn hurdles over the past eight years. He's also benefited from a focused training regime and he’s also aided development of fellow athletes as the RN coach.

He set a fine e.\'ampIe in the opening track event to finish second with a season's best time in a high—quality -l00m hurdles.

1.l"l' Jim Buttle (Collingwood) ltas been involved with Senior Service athletics since he first joined the R.\' nearly ten years ago. During that time he’s competed in a wide range of events including sprints. jutnps, middle—distance and endurance races.

His natural aptitude has always been with the jumps and whilst he Inay consider his best event to be long jump he won a bron‘/.e in the high jump. Has Jim ever Considered a clecathlon?

For the first time in living memory the Royal Navy had an Olympic medallist in the team, albeit carrying an injury.

Logs liiclclis Gad‘/.ama (.\lclson) won a silver medal representing Nigeria in the is 400m relay at the 2000 games in Sydney.

The former African junior champion and Commomvealth Games medallist was keen for another Olympic opportunity and arrived at this year’s Nigerian Olympic trials with a season‘s best time of -lo.8 seconds. which looked good enough to at least get him into the relay

squad.

Unfortunately,he was injured in the trials and so he refocused his efforts on representing the R_\' at the Inter—Services.

Embarking upon an intensive course of treatment that allowed him to run in the 100m, he limped across the line in a blanket finish with the realisation that the 2009 season would be his next opportunity to compete.

Other RN team members linished just outside the medals in a wide range of events. l-‘ourth-place finishes can be the

LArPhot] Brett Turner. FRPU East

of all but they can also provide the motivation to train and achieve better levels ofperformance in the future.

In the women’s team, AB Kenisha Asquith (Nelson) ran well to finish fourth in the l00m and 200m, just missing a medal in the latter by a very small margin.

Ll_.ogs Rhian Hanson (Richmond),recently returned from deployment, finished fourth in the discus and shot and will hope to add to her previous medal ta|l_v next year.

Lt Victoria Southern (Lancaster) came home from deployment just five days before the event and took fourth place in both the javelin and -100m hurdles, an unusual mix of events. Victoria has previously won bronze in both sports, Multi—eventer Lt Cdr Carolyn Lucocq (RAF Uxbridge) has previously tasted success in the heptathlon and many individual events, but this year came fourth in the long jump. Musn Kiri Wedlock (RA-lS.\-'l) could not quite match her l.'300in silver of 2007 as she moved up a distance to finish fourth in the "),000ni.

Among the men, L\.'f."'l:£.-X .\-like 0’Xeill (Sutherland) linishcd fourth in the triple jump for the second year in succession. Logs Jackson Simatei (also Sutherland) displayed a very strong arm. for :1 former Kenyan steepleehaser, in the javelin, where 17-yearold l;'T(.\lE) _loe Andrews (Sultan) also competed as the youngest member of the Royal .\'avy team. MA Glenn Long ((i'I'(IR.\l) displayed strong moral courage competing in the 800m, recovering from illness that disrupted his training, to deliver his usual level of commitment towards the team effort.

Earlier in the season Mne Glyn Fuller (ll A'l'l‘ Sqn) won the RN deeathlon title as he linished a strong seventh in the lnter—Services championships, achievingan excellent 3.6m in the pole vault along the way not bad after a long absence from the worst

—

-

event. :tt’»

ll

-

t'HSHII">

(Northumberland) was the top RN heptathlete.overcoming S-"Lt Ellie Berry (also Northumberland) in a closelyfought contest.

Next year presents :1 significant challenge AB Michelle Pinion

for the R.\' team to achieve success at the lnter—Serviccs level; much will depend the availability and commitment of on athletes returning from sea and operational

deployments.

The men will compete in the Southern Men’s League Division 3 in 2009 with the potential to win promotion in the five—match season.

Although 2008 has proved to be a diflicult year to field teams strong in depth and numbers, several strong individual performances were posted.

The linal match at (iuildford was memorable for more than the torrential rain showers throughout the da_\', notabl_v for the -lm 385 time posted by Lt Cdr Graeme Riley (most recently H:\'lSTurbulent) on his linal day in the Service.

Although this time remains —l() secs slower than his best. it was an excellent time for a veteran athlete in his age group.

Graeme left the Service as the Royal Navy's long-standing 3.000m steeplechase record holder (9m 00. ls).\Y/ill we see his like again?

0 Sprinter L/Cpl Kunle Atiba powers towards the finish line in the 100m

prescnter's desk, and introduced to ‘Ossie‘, the host, in full view of

the cameras.

Then the gravity of the situation hit the pair: the Ghanaian Gary Lineker had decided to use them as his

pundits, live on TV.

liver the skilled media operators, they continued with their insightful comments on the past, present and future of the Premier League, holding back fits of laughter every time the host referred to one or other by the wrong name.

The live bui|d—up came to a conclusion and eventually the game began. linked by stttcllitc from South Africa... on to a 1»lin portable TV with the worst

signal reception imaginable so bad, in fact, that it looked like it was

snowing at Fratton Park in

August.

Bad though the image was (the ball itself was invisible) it

about to get a whole lot worse as the satellite feed from South Africa was lost and theTV station reverted to the Ghanaian equivalent of the test card.

Just as the iirst hall" came to end. the signal was regained and (horror ofhorrors) United were 1-0 up.

Seconds later, Ossie was back live: "Greg. 1-0 to Manchester United.\‘C’hat will Harry Redknapp be saying to his players at halftime?" He then turned to Andy: “Fletcher scored in the 18th minute. How did the goal affect the rest of the hall?"

“Never have two Royal Navy officers cuffed, bluffed and serenely waflled through 15 minutes of the inost misinformed half-time summary. given with confidence. knowledge and balance." said Andy.

The pair also had a secret plan to mention as many ship's names in commentary as possible.

There were easy ones “plenty ol'Talent in the team,” “Superb striker of the hall", "Tireless worker", “Needing a moraleboosting V ictory” and even the .\iotson inspired “His mother was born in Cattistock“ were skilfully slipped in.

Greg then masterfully added the obvious “They are known for their late—season Endurance,“ while Andy chipped in with “There was an Ocean of class between these two Illustrious and Astute teams.“ Unlike true pundits, the pair managed to avoid those muchlampooned football cliches: “A game of one and a quarter 5’! Continued on page 47 was

100% NEW LIFESTYLE. NEW ZEALAND. NAVY See page 40 lot information on the exciting

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opportunities available now.